"Dozens of countries are on verge of food shortages": Zelensky on Russia's blockade of exports from Ukrainian ports consequences 

Zelensky announced this in his evening video address.

"European Council President Charles Michel visited our Odesa today. He saw with his own eyes what the blocked sea means. For the first time in decades there is no merchant fleet movement  in Odesa. There is no normal port work. Probably, this has never happened in Odesa since WWII. Ordinary life connected with the sea is blocked by Russia," Zelensky said.

The president stated that this is a blow not only in Ukraine

"Without our agricultural exports, dozens of countries in different parts of the world are already on the brink of food shortages. And over time, the situation could become downright dire. Politicians are already discussing the consequences of the price crisis and famine in Asia and Africa," he said.  

Zelensky noted that this is a direct consequence of Russian aggression, which can be overcome jointly by all Europeans and the free world.

"It can be overcome through pressure on Russia, through effective coercion of Russia to stop this shameful war," the president concluded.