Ashamed Putin asks closest ally for potatoes as food crisis deepens

Vladimir Putin has made a direct request to his Belarusian neighbor for a supply of potatoes, as Russia grapples with a surprising shortage of the staple crop—despite it being widely cultivated in the country.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to send shipments of potatoes to Moscow and has even lifted sanctions on potato imports from the European Union to help meet demand.

However, in parallel with this request, Belarus will not yet receive the Oreshnik missiles previously promised by the Kremlin. The country, which already hosts Russian missiles on its territory, will have to wait until later this year.

Lieutenant General Alexander Volfovich confirmed this week that delivery is still on track:
"Preparations are proceeding as planned. Let others—perhaps abroad—think that Oreshnik won’t be in Belarus. But we know exactly where it is and how it functions," he said.

Speaking to officials, Lukashenko added: "If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s grow potatoes. We should grow enough for ourselves and for Russia. We need to help our brothers, the Russians. Besides, this isn’t charity—it’s good money and good prices."

(QG - Source: The Daily Express— Picture : © Unsplash)