German Minister of Agriculture Cem Ozdemir states the need for alternative export routes for grain, so that Ukraine does not rely only on the "good will" of Russia.
He said this in an interview with Rheinische Post.
The German government welcomed the departure of the first cargo ship carrying Ukrainian grain from Odessa. "Every transport ship that leaves Ukrainian ports safely is a glimmer of hope - for Ukraine and the hungry in this world," Ozdemir said.
"For all the hope, we must remember that ultimately we rely on the word of the aggressor Putin - and we are painfully worried about what Putin's words are worth," he warned.
The agriculture minister said he would support an EU meeting to find alternative routes.
"Even if Ukraine resumes safe access to the Black Sea, it should not remain dependent on Russia," he said.
"Therefore, it is necessary to promote the expansion of alternative export routes. We are talking about permanent alternatives, not temporary ones. I want to convince the EU Commission to insist on the expansion of alternative export routes," Ozdemir said.
