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Experts said the Kremlin was now exploiting fears of global starvation and famine to demand the axing of economic penalties.
Moscow has blockaded ships from southern Ukraine that would normally export grain and sunflower oil through the Black Sea, pushing up prices globally and leading to fears it could push millions towards starvation.
Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko said: “We have repeatedly stated that a solution to the food problem requires a comprehensive approach, including the lifting of sanctions that have been imposed on Russian exports and financial transactions. Russia is ready to provide the necessary humanitarian passage.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia was trying to “blackmail” the international community by raising the possibility of an offer to unblock ports in return for a relaxation of sanctions.
He said: “Russia now blackmails the world by demanding to lift sanctions in exchange for them unblocking Ukraine’s food exports. Any foreign politician or official who may think of accepting this game should first visit the graves of killed Ukrainian children and talk to their parents.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace slammed Russia’s suggestion of lifting sanctions in exchange for grain being allowed to leave Ukraine. He said: “That grain is for starving countries.”
Ukraine has until July to clear about 15 million tons of maize and 6.5 million of wheat out of storage facilities to make space for this year’s harvest, it was said.
David Beasley, from the World Food Programme, warned that if Vladimir Putin does not allow ships to leave Ukraine it would be a “declaration of war on global food security”.
He added: “We’re looking at a hell storm on Earth.”
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has asked allies for help in transporting cereals.
Defence minister Jeremy Quin conceded Russia’s blockade of Ukraine adds a “significant risk to starvation on a ent global basis”. He said the UK was trying to assist efforts to free vital food supplies.
And Mr Quin told MPs: “The UK has now sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals and 100 entities, including oligarchs, with a net worth of over £100billion.
“We are escalating our sanctions regime further still to stymie the Russian war machine and isolate Putin. In recent days, we’ve focused on his inner circle and the shady financial network surrounding him.
“Over time, this economic contraction will have an ever deepening impact on the Russian war machine.”
Mr Zelensky has also ordered an end to visa-free travel for Russian citizens, citing the need to improve border security.
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