The Center for Countering Disinformation reports that pro-Kremlin media have repeated a false claim made “during a conversation with E. Macron.” On the call, “Vladimir Putin stated that the threat to global food security is caused primarily by Western sanctions.”
This is false.
The threat has been created by Russia in three different ways:
1) By seizing or destroying grain in locations controlled by Russia
EU trade commissioner said:
"I would point out that Russia appears to be deliberately targeting and destroying Ukraine's food stocks and food storages.”
2) Blocking ships that should have exported Ukrainian grain
On March 29, the Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at a UN Security Council addressed the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine saying:
Russia has bombed at least three civilian ships carrying goods from Black Sea ports to the rest of the world, including one chartered by an agribusiness company. The Russian Navy is blocking access to Ukraine’s ports, essentially cutting off exports of grain. They are reportedly preventing approximately 94 ships carrying food for the world market from reaching the Mediterranean. It’s no wonder many shippers are now hesitant to send vessels into the Black Sea, even to Russian ports, given the danger posed by Russian forces.