Last year, the world united to ensure Ukrainian grain exports. Ukraine with the help of UN and Türkiye managed to launch the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has proven to be a vital lifeline for the world. As a result - almost 33 million metric tons of agricultural products were exported to 45 countries.

Thanks to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, more than half of the global supply by the United Nations World Food Programme has been covered by Ukrainian grain. Despite what Russian propaganda says, around two thirds of the overall volume of Ukrainian exports went to developing countries and to those most vulnerable to acute food insecurity in countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Proving its genuine commitment to guaranteeing food security, Ukraine has also launched a humanitarian program, “Grain from Ukraine,” initiated by President Zelenskyy. We engaged 34 donor countries, who helped fund the program and save people from the threat of hunger. We are grateful to every donor who has joined “Grain from Ukraine” program.

However, Russia has systematically obstructed the functioning of the deal, for example, deliberately decreased the number of inspections in the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, limiting the capacity to 1-2 vessels per day. As of now, Russia has fully blocked the functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Right after killing the Grain Deal, Russia demonstrated its true attitude toward global food security by attacking key Ukrainian seaports, Odesa and Chornomorsk, with numerous missiles and drones. Russia destroyed 60,000 tons of grain in the port of Chornomorsk. It was supposed to be shipped months ago, but the terrorist state kept sabotaging the grain initiative. In the deliberate attack, Russia burnt the food that could have fed thousands of people worldwide.

We urge the international community to join Ukraine’s efforts to save vital grain exports to the world and take a principled stance. Over 400 million people around the world rely on vital Ukrainian grain supplies to ensure their food security, mainly in countries in Asia and Africa.

Together, we must protect those most vulnerable around the world whom Russia tries to hurt.