President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Ukraine intends to remain a guarantor of food security for many countries worldwide, including the African continent. He reaffirms this commitment with concrete steps, ensuring the operation of the "grain corridor" despite all attempts by Russia to hinder its functioning. The Head of State made these statements in an interview with journalists from African media.
The meeting included representatives from Angola, Botswana, Tunisia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.
"Now we have an alternative corridor that we had to create. We showed the world that Ukraine continues to guarantee global food security," stated Volodymyr Zelensky.
The President noted that in the first month of the alternative "grain corridor," Ukraine transported 4 million tons of agricultural products, equivalent to the volume of grain exports in the first month of the initial grain initiative created in cooperation with Turkey and the UN.
"Yes, it takes a bit longer, there are difficulties, but we reached the same volume. That is, Ukraine is ready to supply and be a guarantor," emphasized the Head of State.
Despite all the challenges and Russia's aggressive actions, Zelensky mentioned that the port of Odessa is operational, and Ukraine's partners are well aware of the necessary air defense systems and other means to ensure the smooth operation of the port infrastructure in Odessa region as a whole.
"We are working on this and even expanding our capabilities. Russia attacks, intimidates, but also loses its weapons, ships, helicopters during these attacks. We are also engaged in risk insurance – holding constant negotiations with our partners, including the United Kingdom, regarding jointly insuring the risks for the companies that own these ships," explained Volodymyr Zelensky.
In addition, the President noted that our country is clearing the Black Sea waters of Russian ships attacking Ukrainian ports and civilian infrastructure: every day there are fewer of them.
The head of state also talked about the initiative to build grain hubs in Africa, from which agricultural products could be transported throughout the continent, regardless of the actions of the Russian government or similar states.
"In these hubs, there will always be food products. And no matter what happens, grain will always reach the people. And there will definitely be no hunger," emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
