President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that Ukraine intends to remain a guarantor of food security for many countries of the world, particularly on the African continent, and proves it with concrete steps, ensuring the operation of the "grain corridor" despite all attempts by Russia to hinder its functioning. The Head of State said this in an interview with African media.
The meeting was attended by media from Angola, Botswana, Tunisia, the Republic of Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.
"Now we have an alternative corridor that we had to create. We have shown the world that Ukraine continues to guarantee global food security," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that during the first month of the alternative "grain corridor", Ukraine transported 4 million tons of agricultural products, which is equal to the volume of grain exports during the first month of the first grain initiative, established on the basis of agreements with Türkiye and the UN.
"Yes, it takes a little longer, there are difficulties, but we have reached the same volume. That is, Ukraine is ready to supply and be a guarantor," the Head of State emphasized.
According to him, despite all the difficulties and aggressive actions of Russia, the port of Odesa is operating, and Ukraine's partners are well aware of the air defense systems and other means needed to ensure the smooth operation of the port infrastructure of Odesa region as a whole.
"We are working on this and even expanding our capabilities. Russia attacks, frightens, but also loses its weapons, ships, and helicopters in these attacks. We are also engaged in risk insurance – we are in constant negotiations with our partners, in particular with the UK, to insure, together with the Ukrainian government, the risks for those companies that own these ships," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
In addition, the President noted that our country is liberating the Black Sea from Russian ships that attack Ukrainian ports and civilian infrastructure: every day there are fewer of them.
The Head of State also spoke about the initiative to build grain hubs in Africa, from which agricultural products could be transported across the continent, regardless of the actions of the authorities of Russia or other similar countries.
"There will always be food in these hubs. No matter what happens, people will always have grain. And there will definitely be no hunger," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.