“We Managed to Save 20 Million People From Hunger,” Zelenskyy Says at the Grain From Ukraine Summit

On November 23, global leaders gathered in Kyiv for the 3rd Annual Grain from Ukraine Summit, where Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to combating global hunger.

The Grain from Ukraine initiative works with the help of countries from around the globe as well as support from the World Food Program to combat global hunger.

The initiative, launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, has provided vital grain shipments to countries in the Global South grappling with food crises. Since its inception, the program has helped protect more than 20 million people from hunger, according to President Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy also referenced the Holodomor of 1932-1933, saying, “We need to appreciate these lives” when discussing the great famine. He emphasized, “We should not permit Russia or anyone else with colonial ambitions.”

“We are here to overcome hunger, which is the global evil,” said Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, during the summit. He drew attention to the looming anniversary of the Holodomor, a man-made famine caused by Soviet policies in the early 20th century, and accused Russia of weaponizing food once again.

The Prime Minister highlighted Russian attacks on Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure, the seizure of grain from occupied territories, and the targeting of Ukrainian ports as part of these actions.

Ukraine’s growing role in global food security

Prime Minister Shmyhal noted that Ukraine’s grain exports now play a crucial role in feeding nations across Asia and Africa, with the potential to sustain up to six million people. Despite facing significant challenges, including the occupation of 20% of its agricultural land, Ukraine continues to supply the world with essential food resources. Currently, 309 million people worldwide are facing acute hunger, and Ukraine has provided 280,000 tons of grain to countries in need.

Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasized that Russian forces have destroyed 300 port infrastructure assets between July and October of this year. “These actions are part of a genocidal policy,” he stated, stressing the importance of restoring safe passage through the Black Sea to ensure Ukraine can continue its agricultural exports. Sybiha also reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to the peace plan, where food security remains a central issue.

Global solidarity for Ukraine’s efforts

Leaders from various countries also spoke at the summit, offering continued support for Ukraine’s grain initiative. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic referenced the shared history of his country and Ukraine, urging the international community to recognize the importance of standing against Russian aggression. “No one can close their eyes and pretend this doesn’t concern them,” he said, drawing attention to the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and the need for a united global response.

Estonia, a steadfast supporter of the initiative, pledged continued assistance, with the World Food Program working to clear Ukraine’s agricultural fields of mines. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for resistance against Russia’s attempts to use hunger as a tool of warfare, while Switzerland’s President Viola Amherd reiterated her country’s commitment to the initiative. “Food is a fundamental right,” Amherd stated, as the winter months approach.

Other nations, including Iceland, Croatia, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Portugal, also pledged further contributions to the 'Grain from Ukraine' program, highlighting the importance of Ukraine’s agricultural exports in combating global hunger.

President Zelenskyy’s remarks on global hunger and Russian aggression

President Zelenskyy, in his address, underscored Ukraine’s efforts in saving millions from hunger despite ongoing war and destruction. “We managed to save 20 million people from hunger,” Zelenskyy remarked, detailing how Russia’s full-scale invasion began with blockades of Ukrainian ports and continued with targeted attacks on food infrastructure. “They (Russia) wanted these consequences to happen,” he added.

In response to questions about global diplomacy, Zelenskyy called out the G20 for its weak support of Ukraine. “Unfortunately, the G20 was marked by very weak support for Ukraine,” he stated, criticizing certain leaders, particularly Brazil’s, for taking a neutral stance on the war. He stressed the importance of international awareness, particularly in Africa, regarding misinformation and the broader geopolitical implications of the war.

He called for more dialogue between Ukraine and Africa, not only on the topic of grain but also on issues of misinformation and cybersecurity. He mentioned that he had been emphasizing the importance of a Ukrainian-Africa Summit.

Zelenskyy also addressed the potential for the war to spread beyond Ukraine’s borders, stating, “If Russia does not get the proper punishment from this war in Ukraine, then there is a possibility of such outbreaks of violence.” He reiterated Ukraine’s resolve to defeat Russian aggression and to secure its place in the EU and NATO.