According to the Interfax news agency, Russia’s foreign ministry has stated that it will only open access to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports if sanctions against the Kremlin are lifted.

Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain producers, used to export the majority of its goods via seaports, but since Russia’s invasion, it has been obliged to export by train or through its minor Danube River ports.

“If you have any compassion at all, please open these ports,” UN food director David Beasley said to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.