Belarus eases food embargo amid worsening vegetable crisis
Alexander Lukashenko is facing a hunger crisis in Belarus, with the country experiencing a shortage of basic vegetables, notably potatoes. The Belarusian leader is attempting to address the issue and has placed some of the blame on Russia.
The Belarusian authorities recently made an unexpected decision to ease the food embargo. The list of exceptions includes so-called unfriendly countries, which refers to Western European nations.
Officially, Belarus claims this move demonstrates "openness" and a willingness to improve relations with neighboring countries. Unofficially, the decision to lift the ban on importing onions, potatoes, and cabbage is driven by a worsening economic crisis and food shortages in the country.
Journalists from "The Moscow Times," quoted by the gazeta.pl site, assert that Lukashenko is partly holding Vladimir Putin responsible for the crisis. According to reports, the Belarusian leader informed the Kremlin chief that Belarus had sold all its produce to Russia, while citizens at home were expressing dissatisfaction with the low quality and limited availability of vegetables in local stores.
This information was confirmed in a conversation with o2.pl by Alexander Azarau, head of the Belarusian anti-government organization BYPOL.
"Lukashenko wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end as soon as possible. The sanctions are heavily affecting him. We have information indicating that Belarus lacks basic food products. This is his priority. His involvement in the war troubles him, and he would like to resume trade with the European Union," said the Belarusian opposition figure.
Russia is also dealing with a severe hunger crisis. Data from the Federal State Statistics Service shows that the year-on-year price increase for potatoes is 166 percent. In response, Russian authorities have banned potato exports and plan to regulate the prices of these vegetables.
