Lavrov Says Sanctions and Barriers, Not Shortages, Leave Over 600 Million People Hungry

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says global hunger comes from sanctions and trade barriers, not from a lack of food or resources.

Sanctions and barriers behind global hunger

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says global hunger has nothing to do with a shortage of resources. He blames sanctions and barriers for leaving more than 600 million people without enough food.

Lavrov laid out his view on global hunger in an article for the Kommersant newspaper. He wrote: “More than 600 million people worldwide are currently going hungry. And the issue is not a lack of resources, but rather sanctions and barriers.”.

G20 and the weaponization of food

Lavrov reminded readers that G20 trade ministers condemned the weaponization of food supplies this year. That means using food deliveries as a political weapon. Even the European Union had to agree with the condemnation. In his view, the world must now turn these words into real action.

Russia boosts farm exports to Africa

President Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session of the Russia Africa economic and humanitarian forum in October. He said Russia exported 13 million tonnes of agricultural products to Africa in the first nine months of 2026. The figures link global hunger directly to trade policy and food supplies.