Zelensky: "20 Billion Won Fund to Support Food Aid for Poor African Countries"

Participation of over 20 countries including EU members... Providing grains to poor countries in the Middle East and Africa
French President: "Vulnerable countries must not pay the price of war"

Ukrainian President Zelensky delivering a video speech at the G7 Summit. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Junran] Ukraine, together with more than 20 countries worldwide, has raised a fund amounting to 200 billion KRW to provide grain to impoverished African countries, Reuters reported on the 26th (local time).

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, announced this plan at the 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative summit held in the capital Kyiv on the same day, and announced the launch of a food aid program for the food crisis-stricken Middle East and Africa.

President Zelensky stated that, along with over 20 allied countries including European Union (EU) member states, they have raised a fund of 150 million USD (approximately 200 billion KRW) and plan to send grain to Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and others. He explained, "At least 60 grain export ships will depart from our country's ports to countries facing threats of famine and drought."

The summit was attended by the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, and the President of Hungary, while leaders from Germany, France, and the EU participated via video conference. French President Emmanuel Macron said in a video speech, "We will donate 6 million euros (approximately 8.32 billion KRW) to send food to Yemen and Sudan." He added, "The most vulnerable countries should not pay the price for a war they did not want."

The world leaders attending the event issued a joint statement pointing out that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has blocked the Black Sea, a grain export route. As a result, global food supply has been disrupted, and international food prices have soared, causing significant turmoil.

They claimed, "Since Russia's invasion in February this year, global food supply has decreased by 10 million tons compared to the same period last year," and "Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports at the beginning of the war threatened the food security of millions worldwide." They added, "We are confident that we can overcome the global food crisis caused by Russia's ruthless war together."

Earlier, Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement in July, mediated by the United Nations and T?rkiye, guaranteeing grain exports through the Black Sea for four months. This agreement was extended for an additional four months on the 17th of this month, two days before its expiration. This food aid program for impoverished countries is also interpreted as pressure to prevent Russia from blocking the Black Sea route again.