When russia began its war in ukraine in february, which meant it was the middle of the winter. The wheat fields were actually planted already. There were still about 20 million tons of grain ready to get loaded on ships. Ucrane harvested a record hih crop in 20 21.
Russia is weaponizing food by blockading Ukraine’s grain exports and withholding its own until other countries come to Putin to ask for it.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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