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On October 22, cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain lined up for inspection in the Sea of ​​Marmara, Turkey.File photo courtesy of Erdem Sahin/EPA-EFE
November 26 (UPI) — president of ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky Grain was announced on Saturday from Ukraine Initiative to facilitate the delivery of food to countries facing food insecurity.
“Even as the country struggles with food shortages, devastated farmland and widespread power outages, we will never forget our role as responsible global citizens — especially as we have experienced famine ourselves as a nation,” Zelens said. Key said. said in a statement.
He was referring to the Great Famine, in which millions of Ukrainians starved to death under Soviet rule stalinfood seizure policy.
“Africa is in dire need of food and Ukraine stands ready to support the vulnerable in their time of need,” the president added.
The timing of the initiative is symbolic as it comes 90 years after the Great Famine.Zelensky Anniversary Hosted leaders of Lithuania, Poland, Hungary and Belgium in Kyiv.
Many African countries rely heavily on fertilizer and trade from Russia and have been reluctant to accept sanctions.seventeen african countries abstain In March, the United Nations voted to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while 28 voted in favor of the resolution. Only Eritrea voted for Russia.
Andrey Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, said Ukraine would ask the international community and private donors to subsidize the project. The United States and France have each pledged $20 million to the initiative, while Canada has pledged $30 million.
The UK pledged $6 million, Austria $3.9 million and Sweden $9.5 million.
A spokesman for the European Commission confirmed that the EU will finance the shipment of 40,000 tons of Ukrainian grain.
A German-funded ship carrying food has already set off for Ethiopia, and three others are expected to leave soon for Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Russia says it will extend the agreement Export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea Corridor for 120 days.
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