UK PM suggests finding "alternative routes" to move grain out of Ukraine

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that the international community must find "alternative routes" to get food supplies out of Ukraine.

In a speech to parliament last week after meeting with other G7 leaders, Johnson suggested using a rail line or the Danube if Turkey could not rely on the Bosphorus.

"We're looking at all possible options," Johnson said, including railroads, "to try to produce grains in small batches." 

 Ukraine accuses Russia of blocking its ports and trying to "steal" Ukrainian food. Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports has pushed up global food prices and threatens to cause catastrophic food shortages in parts of the world, the United Nations said.

On Monday, Ukrainian officials called on Turkey to detain a Russian-flagged ship carrying grain from Ukraine.

"The Turks are absolutely necessary to solve this problem and they are doing their best," Johnson said. "I thank President Erdogan for his efforts. It is up to the Russians to agree to the emergence of this grain."

Johnson added that the UK provides mine clearance facilities and insurance.
 

"There are alternative solutions that do not require the presence of British or other warships in the Black Sea," Johnson said. "If we can't use sea routes, if we can't use the Bosphorus, we will increasingly need to find other ways to get this grain out of Ukraine." 

"Though they might involve a tougher approach, what we are also looking at is the possibility of using the rivers, using the Danube in particular,” Johnson said.