“Ukraine feeds the world despite daily Russian attacks.” The growth of Ukrainian grain exports was noted in the West

Despite the war and Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine was able to ensure the export of grain through the Black Sea. This is important for the world, US and Swedish officials say.

Ukraine is helping those who are currently suffering from a famine caused by Russia, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Björström tweeted.

“Thanks to the growth of grain exports, it is possible to limit the famine caused by Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine in large parts of Africa and Asia,” the official added.

He emphasized that Russia “must not win in any aspect of this war, but we will help Ukraine win in every aspect.”

The US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink called the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea a “significant achievement”.

“Since August, 400 ships have passed through the Black Sea humanitarian corridor, carrying 13 million tons of cargo,” the official tweeted.

She adds: “Ukraine continues to feed the world, despite Russia’s daily and constant attacks across the country.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany, summing up the events in Ukraine in 2023, indicates: “Ukraine effectively pushed back the Russian fleet in the Black Sea and opened a supply route that allowed more than 200 ships to export grain and other goods to world markets.”

Ukraine exported 12 million tons of grain through the Black Sea Corridor, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in a December 28 video message. “The results for December are particularly noticeable — and this is felt throughout the economy,” he added.

According to the data of the Ministry of Agricultural Policy and Food of Ukraine, from July 1, 2023 to December 29, 2023, Ukraine exported almost 18 million tons of cereals and legumes.

The Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club shared preliminary estimates of total agricultural exports in 2023. During the year, Ukraine exported 67.5 million tons of agricultural products, which is 15% more than in 2022, says UKAB.

The association recalled the challenges for agricultural exports last year. In particular, this is Russia’s blocking of grain exports, and then withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the bombing of grain infrastructure in Ukraine, restrictions on the transit of grain from Ukraine through Eastern European countries.