First of all, it should be mentioned that almost 2.37 million tons of agricultural products have been exported since the first departure of the ship with Ukrainian foodstuffs until now. In particular, 54 vessels loaded with 1.04 million tons arrived in Asian countries, 32 vessels loaded with 0.85 million tons arrived in Europe, and 16 vessels delivered 0.47 million tons to Africa.

If we talk only about Africa, then 8 ships (192 thousand tons of grain) arrived in Egypt, 3 ships (115 thousand tons) – Sudan, 1 ship (50 thousand tons) – Kenya, 1 ship (44 thousand tons) – Algeria, 1 vessel (29 thousand tons) – Somalia, 1 vessel (23 thousand tons) – Djibouti, and 1 vessel (16.5 thousand tons) – Libya.

 

 

According to the United Nations Organization African population is on the verge of a humanitarian disaster. In order to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Africa, 2 vessels chartered directly by the UN World Food Program (WFP) have already been dispatched. There are more than 60,000 tons of wheat on its board for the people of Yemen and Ethiopia.

 

Thanks to our UN partners, another 190,000 tons of grain have already been purchased for further export to the African countries.

 

In general, under the WFP, 280 thousand tons of agricultural products will be exported from the ports of Ukraine in the near future to fight against hunger. The nearest WFP-chartered vessel is the bulk carrier KARIA ANGEL, which is currently undergoing inspection in Istanbul. After inspection, it will arrive at the Chornomorsk Sea Port for loading 30,000 tons of wheat.

 

It should be noted that the Initiative on the safe transportation of grain and food products, recently signed by Ukraine, the UN, and Türkiye, does not provide for restrictions on export destinations.

 

Together with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, we call on other states and private investors to join the procurement of grain for the population of Africa. Together, we will be able to significantly increase the volume of supplies of agricultural products and effectively counter the global food shortage.

 

In particular, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has already announced the allocation of 68 million dollars for the purchase of grain for the needs of Africa.

 

We consider any statements of the top political leadership of Russia aimed at restricting the export of Ukrainian food as an undisguised use of the tragedy of the famine for political purposes and another manifestation of cynicism, lies and the barbaric nature of modern Russia.