Zelenskyy: The “Grain Corridor” Model Could Be the Answer to Negotiations with Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has proposed exploring the use of a “grain corridor” model as a potential framework for achieving peace in negotiations with Russia. This initiative draws on previous successful agreements where Ukraine engaged with the UN and Turkey, which in turn negotiated with Russia.

The grain corridor model, previously implemented with success, involves establishing transparent and efficient mechanisms for the transit of grain products through intermediary countries' territories. This approach allows for circumventing direct contact between conflicting parties. It has enabled Ukraine to maintain its position in international markets and ensure food security amid geopolitical tensions.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this model holds promise as a response to current challenges. He underscored the importance of initiating dialogue with countries from different continents to create similar cooperative mechanisms. This June, Ukraine has already made steps to involve countries around the world in seeking just peace for Ukraine by organizing the Summit on Peace for Ukraine.

Ultimately, Zelenskyy empathized that long-term peace in Ukraine means Ukraine’s membership in both the EU and NATO: “We should be in the European Union for economic security. And we should be in NATO for physical security. If we don’t have these two, there is a huge risk for us that the enemy will come back.”

During the interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, President Zelenskyy also highlighted additional key points: the imperative of preventing Ukraine’s destruction and safeguarding Ukrainian interests; the critical need for security today and for future generations to prevent future aggression; the disproportionate losses, with one Ukrainian life lost for every six Russians; predictions of Russia’s economic decline by 2025; ongoing shortages of long-range artillery shells; the capabilities and limitations of Ukrainian drones versus rockets; and the comparison of North Korea’s yearly artillery usage versus Russia’s.