President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain.
The Head of State thanked Cindy McCain for her ongoing support of the Ukrainian people and noted that her late husband, Senator John McCain, had visited Ukraine multiple times and had made significant contributions to the country.
The President also expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by the UN World Food Programme. Between 2022 and 2024, the total support amounted to $2.2 billion, with an additional $767 million planned for this year.
During the meeting, the parties discussed continued support for Ukrainian schools: the construction of shelters, assistance in funding meals for students in grades 5–11, and the provision of school buses. The President emphasized the importance of ensuring that children can study safely and remain in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Cindy McCain also discussed the importance of continuing the humanitarian initiative "Grain from Ukraine," which is already supported by over 20 countries. This program is vital for countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Global South, and the world at large.
The President stressed that thanks to the "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, Ukraine was also able to assist people in Syria. Despite the war, Ukraine remains a guarantor of global food security and is ready to do even more.
Cindy McCain praised the effectiveness of the "Grain from Ukraine" program. According to her, the WFP team was able to see firsthand how the initiative works and how it truly helps people.
In addition, they discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, the need to increase pressure on Russia, and the efforts to return Ukrainian children who were illegally deported and forcibly relocated by Russia.
"We are grateful for the partnership and your leadership. We have a strong collaboration with our Ukrainian partners and the government. It is very important that you feel that what we are doing is not just for today, but for the future of Ukraine," said the head of the World Food Programme.
