Putin, Joko Widodo discuss Ukraine, food shortages

Russian President Vladimir Putin right and Indonesian President Joko Widodo shake hands after their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on June 30, 2022. ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO, POOL AP PHOTO MOSCOW Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo talked about the situation in Ukraine and supplies of grain and fertilizers amid a global food shortage.

Putin said he informed Widodo in detail about the situation in Ukraine during a joint meeting after their talks in the Kremlin.

Putin attributed the problem to a number of years of irresponsible macroeconomic policies in some Western countries, because of the imbalance in the global food market.

Russia exported more than 43 million tons of grain last year, of which 33 million tons of wheat were exported, Putin said, adding that possible good harvests this year will allow Russia to sell more.

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Russia is ready to deliver enough fertilizers and other materials to Indonesia and other friendly countries, he said.

Putin stressed the importance of restoring supply chains that are disrupted by the sanctions on Russia Widodo, who visited Kiev before going to Moscow, underlined the importance of promoting a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

He said he was ready to establish communication between the two leaders because of the message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to President Putin.

Widodo appreciated that Putin promised the security of food and fertilizer supplies not only from Russia but also from Ukraine.