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German minister: Putin wants to eliminate Ukraine as a competitor in grain production

Russia’s attacks on the country’s grain infrastructure appear to be an attempt to reduce competition in Russian export markets. This was stated by the German Minister of Agriculture Cem Jozdemir.

“We regularly receive information about targeted Russian attacks on grain elevators, fertilizer depots, agricultural land and infrastructure,” Jozdemir told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.

According to the minister, there are growing suspicions that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to “eliminate Ukraine as a long-term competitor.”

Russia and Ukraine are usually the main competitors in the global grain market. World wheat prices have risen by about 40% since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, cutting off supplies to other markets across the Black Sea.

“Given the growing hunger in the world, Russia is seeking to increase the pressure. At the same time, a huge increase in market prices is good for Russia, because it brings new money to the country,” Yozdemir said.

He said he would raise the issue of how Ukraine could be supported to increase grain exports during the G7 agriculture ministers’ meeting in mid-May.

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