Russia has destroyed 280,000 tons of grain in Ukraine, enough to feed 10.5 million people - Austin

Ukrinform reports.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, opening the 15th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense at Ramstein Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, on September 19, said that Russia has already destroyed enough Ukrainian grain to feed more than 10 million people for a year.

It is noted that in recent months, Russia has continued to attack Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure.

"As a result of these attacks, at least 280 thousand tons of grain were destroyed, which would be enough to feed 10.5 million people for a year," the minister said.

He added that Russia's actions continue to threaten global food security and create conditions for a new humanitarian crisis on the planet.

Austin assured that the partners - nearly 50 countries in the Ramstein format - will continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance to help it defend itself against the aggressor.

• On Tuesday, September 19, the 15th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format is taking place in Germany in a face-to-face format, the first meeting with the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.