Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine pledges 50,000 tons of wheat in humanitarian aid for Ethiopia, Somalia

France, Germany will join Ukrainian initiative and cover costs associated with financing delivery of humanitarian cargo, says Foreign Ministry

Addis Getachew  | 22.09.2022 - Update : 23.09.2022
Ukraine pledges 50,000 tons of wheat in humanitarian aid for Ethiopia, Somalia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia 

Ukraine on Thursday announced it will contribute 50,000 tons of wheat for humanitarian aid being provided to Ethiopia and Somalia by the World Food Program. 

Food security in both Horn of Africa nations has greatly been compromised by drought and raging conflicts.

“Ukraine’s role as one of the guarantors of world food security and a reliable grain exporter is undeniable, and its actions demonstrate Ukrainian commitment to its global obligations,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

France and Germany will join the Ukrainian initiative and “cover the costs associated with financing the delivery of humanitarian cargo to these African countries,” it added.

The main cause of the global food crisis is “Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine … which can bring serious social, economic and political consequences for many countries of the world,” the ministry said.

“The success of countering the ‘hunger games’ that Russia is conducting against the whole world, turning food into a weapon against the most vulnerable countries, is based on mutual support and solidarity,” it added.

Vital grain exports from Ukraine, halted since the war began on Feb. 24, only resumed after Türkiye, the UN, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22.

Since the first vessel sailed under the deal on Aug. 1, more than 160 ships have carried over 3 million tons of agricultural products through the grain corridor.

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