During a working trip to the Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the loading of Ukrainian grain onto a grain carrier for further export.
Loading took place in the Chornomorsk Sea Trade Port.
"The first vessel, the first ship is being loaded since the beginning of the war. This is a Turkish vessel. This shows that the port has started working," the Head of State said.
According to the President, the export of grain will begin with the departure of several ships that were loaded but could not set sail due to the start of the war.
As Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, Ukraine is waiting for appropriate signals from partners - representatives of the United Nations and Turkey - regarding the start of grain transportation. As the Head of State reported, exports may begin in the coming days.
"Our side is fully prepared. We sent all the signals to our partners - the UN and Turkey, and our military guarantees the security situation. The Minister of Infrastructure is in direct contact with the Turkish side and the UN, we are waiting for a signal from them that we can start," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain will make it possible to avoid food shortages, as well as hunger and political chaos in countries that need food products.
"It is important for us that Ukraine remains the guarantor of global food security," he emphasized.
Together with the Head of State, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine, including Ambassador of the United States of America Bridget Brink, Ambassador of Great Britain Melinda Simmons, Ambassador of Italy Pier Francesco Zazo, Ambassador of Canada Larisa Galadza, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Anka Feldhusen, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Rémi Duflot, Coordinator of the UN system Osnat Lubrani, got acquainted with the process of grain loading.
The President also held a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps, during which the issue of grain export and international support for Ukraine was discussed.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to the Ukrainian defenders who are undergoing treatment in one of the medical institutions.
Among the hospital's patients, in particular, is a Spanish citizen who defends our country in the ranks of the International Legion.
The Head of State spoke with the warriors and wished them a speedy recovery.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of implementing a prosthetics program for military personnel.
The President also asked the staff about the urgent needs of the medical facility.
