Ukraine to Assist Syria with Food Supplies

KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Saturday that he had directed his government to establish mechanisms for supplying food to Syria, in collaboration with international organizations and partners.

Ukraine has been a major exporter of grain and oilseeds globally, previously exporting wheat and corn primarily to Middle Eastern countries, but not to Syria.

During the Assad regime, Syria relied on food imports from Russia; however, these supplies have been disrupted due to uncertainties and payment delays, according to Russian and Syrian sources on Friday.

"We are ready to assist Syria in preventing a food crisis, particularly through the humanitarian program 'Grain from Ukraine,'" Zelenskiy stated on X.

Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of working with international organizations and partners to create food supply mechanisms.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's exports have faced challenges, significantly impacting shipments through the Black Sea. Recently, Ukraine has managed to break a de facto sea blockade and resume exports from its southern ports, including Odesa.