WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) regarding the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global food security. The report was mandated by a provision in the Fiscal Year 2023 Intelligence Authorization Act, which was led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08).
“For over a year, we have watched the Russian invasion wreak devastation for the Ukrainian people,” said Chairman Mike Turner and Ranking Member Jim Himes. “This report casts light on the war’s broader disruption to global food security and reveals how Putin has intentionally used food security and the threat of starvation as a negotiating chip. Russia’s recent refusal to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative will worsen this crisis, driving vulnerable nations into food shortages that could leave millions struggling to eat.”
“This report confirms that Russia has weaponized access to food at the expense of many countries and millions of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.“Russia’s more recent abandonment of the Black Sea Grain Initiative has only exacerbated the effects of Vladimir Putin’s illegal war and further highlighted the need for global efforts to counter the dramatically increased food insecurity and risk of starvation he has brought to much of the world.”
“It’s vital for Ukraine to maintain continuity in their food supply so that they fulfill their trade agreements to other nations,” said Congressman Rick Crawford. “Putin is using food as a political tool, knowing that political unrest often follows food shortages. The impact of this unjust invasion will be felt far past Ukraine’s borders and ODNI’s report confirms this.”
