Zelensky writes Turkey, UN vow to continue grain deal without Russia

 

KIEV – President of Ukraine, Volodymry Zelensky said he has written to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey and UN Secretary General, Guterres assuring them of his readiness to resume the Black Sea grain initiative without Russia in a most reliable way.

Zelensky made the proposal following the decision of Russia to suspend the deal and withdraw its guarantee for shipment passing through the Black Sea.

“Ukraine, the UN and Turkey can jointly ensure the operation of the food corridor and the inspection of vessels”, he said.

Zelensky said Africa has a right to stability. “Asia has a right to stability. Europe has the right to stability. And therefore, we must all care about security – about protection from Russian madness”, he said.

According to him, Ukrainian food is basic security for almost 400 million people.

He said the results of “our Black Sea grain initiative speak volumes: almost 33 million tons of agricultural products were exported to 45 countries of the world. 60% of the volumes went to the countries of Africa and Asia, in particular Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan…

“They also went to China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen… It is very important – our food export allows us to save lives in countries like Yemen and Somalia… different people… different religions, different ethnic origins… But they all have the same right to life”, he said.