"The world knows the fundamental role our seaborne grain exports play in food security." Address of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi

01.06.2023 10:00

Photo by president.gov.ua

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed the people, talking about his working trip to Odesa and the away meeting of the Stavka.

"I wish you health, dear Ukrainians!

Today is a working trip to our Odesa.

Here he thanked our soldiers for protecting the region and all of Ukraine. In particular, he visited the hospital of our wounded defenders. I wished for a speedy recovery. Had the honor to present state awards. He thanked our doctors.

He held a special and long meeting in Odesa regarding the security and social situation in the region. The leadership of the region, the military, law enforcement officers.

The region is a priority from all points of view. It is Odesa that is one of the foundations of the security of our entire south, and therefore of the state.

In Odesa, the Security Service of Ukraine has achieved very important results in countering Russian saboteurs.

There was a report by General Moskalyov on the situation in the areas of responsibility of the "Odesa" OSUV. They analyzed in detail how to strengthen the defense.

Economic issues, jobs, and social security were discussed in detail.

Conducted an away meeting of the Stavka. Constant attention to the front. Reports of commanders — "Khortytsia", "Tavria", Holovkom. Special reports of the heads of GUR and SBU. Details later. Special attention is paid to our grain corridor, security in the Black Sea.

The world knows the fundamental role our seaborne grain exports play in food security. And in general, security in the Black Sea, the effectiveness of the norms of international law regarding navigation is a globally important security factor. All the maritime countries of the world now see what could threaten their ports, their water areas, if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea.

I will give only one example. Currently, of the three ports that were agreed within the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the "Southern" port is actually blocked. More than one and a half million tons of agricultural products have been accumulated in one "South". And this grain is expected by at least ten countries of the world, including Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, and China. It is obvious: that less food is supplied to these countries, to these regions, then food prices are higher there, and people in these countries lose more from their family budgets.

That is, the blockade of one port in Ukraine creates extremely serious risks for various peoples. And in particular for those with whom Russia is still trying to speculate.

And I thank everyone in the world who helps us increase the security space in the Black Sea, who pressures Russia to unblock food supplies.

Today in Odesa, I also held a meeting on the development of our port infrastructure.

And one more.

We are working on making the second half of this week meaningful for our relations with partners. Our international experts are doing everything so that this week can be completed with the news that Ukraine needs.

And now I thank the United States of America, President Biden personally, both parties of Congress, and every American — everyone who values ​​freedom — for a new defense package for our soldiers. Rockets for the Patriots, rockets for the Hymars, artillery and other much-needed weapons. Needed right now!

Glory to all our soldiers, who are now fighting for Ukraine, who are at combat posts, on combat missions. Thank you to everyone who works for our country!

Thank you, Odesa, for this day!

Glory to Ukraine!"