Two thirds of Ukrainian grain shipped to Asia, Africa, Middle East – Kuleba

Dmytro Kuleba Photo: Max Trebukhov

Two-thirds of the grain that Ukraine has already shipped out to foreign consumers through the "grain corridor" goes to the markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said, according to the Foreign Ministry's website.

"Literally now yet another ship with Ukrainian grain has reached the shores of Africa off Sudan. A total of two-thirds of the ships sent are destined for Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Resumed Ukrainian food exports through the grain corridor have had a positive impact on reducing prices on the food market. This is important for softening the aftermath of the food crisis, especially for the most vulnerable countries," the minister said.

He added that in August, as soon as the first shipments from Ukrainian ports were made, wheat prices fell by at least 5%.

Kuleba recalled that the only reason for the deepening of the global food crisis in 2022 was and still is the war launched by Russia against Ukraine. The Russian Federation has blocked Ukrainian sea ports and is purposefully destroying the agricultural infrastructure and logistics.

Our state, in turn, as one of the guarantors of global food security, is doing its best to ensure exports. Meanwhile, Russia bears full responsibility for the future operation of the grain corridor.

The head of the Foreign Ministry said that Russia may deliberately voice doubts about the effectiveness of this corridor, preparing to bargain and blackmail the world as the 120 days of the "grain" initiative are coming to an end.

Kuleba called on partners to apply joint pressure on Russia to stop "hunger games" with the world and fully implement its obligations under the agreements. The minister also called on the countries that consume Ukrainian agricultural products to demand that the aggressor country not hinder the functioning of the grain corridor and to continue its operation.

The largest caravan of 13 ships since the beginning of the "grain initiative" left three ports in Odesa these days.

In Istanbul on 22 July, Ukraine, Turkey and UN Secretary-General António Guterres signed the Initiative for the Safe Transportation of Grain and Food Products from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyy.

Tags: exports, Dmytro Kuleba, grain