Markian Yevhenovych Chuchuk
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
According to the UN data, 345 million people suffer from catastrophic food shortages and 82 countries require agricultural aid. At the same time, the lives of about 400 million people in 100 countries depend on Ukrainian food exports.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine pushed at least 70 million people to the brink of starvation.
Since the first day of its invasion in February 2022, Russia has done everything to block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, creating threats to global food security. Russian attacks damaged or destroyed a significant portion of Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure, including elevators, storage facilities, roads, and fields. Mined fields make it impossible to conduct agricultural activities in large areas, further hindering production.
About 30% of the total capacity of the agricultural sector of Ukraine was destroyed and almost 20% of agricultural land occupied. Russia has stolen millions of tons of Ukrainian grain worth about 1 bln USD and continues to use food as a weapon. The total losses of Ukraine’s agricultural sector due to Russia’s invasion amounted to 80 bln USD including 13 bln USD of direct losses.
” Two Years of Unity and Resistance ” by Markiian Chuchuk – Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan
However, despite the ongoing full-scale Russian aggression, Ukraine remains the reliable guarantor of the world food security, successfully implementing a humanitarian initiative Grain from Ukraine, launched by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2022.
In cooperation with the UN World Food Programme, Ukraine is helping to supply vital food supplies to countries in need. Under the initiative, more then 228 960 tons of agricultural products have been shipped to Palestine, Yemen, Mauritania, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, Mozambique, Congo, Malawi, ensuring food security for 8 million people. Ukraine has transferred 1 000 tons of wheat flour to Palestine as part of the Grain from Ukraine programme. Overall, grain from Ukraine, helped to save 20 mln people from hunger.
Ukraine understands well how important it is to support other countries suffering from food insecurity. That`s why Ukraine proposed Pakistan to join the Initiative as a recipient. The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif to participate in the Third International Summit on Food Security which was held in Kyiv on November 23, 2024 in Kyiv.
The participants of the Summit stressed that Russian targeted attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure and grain storage facilities, as well as blocking grain supplies, threaten the food security around the world. The adoption of the Joint Statement enshrined commitments for further actions to fight hunger, support vulnerable groups, promote sustainable agricultural development and ensure projects aimed at investing in the health of future generations.
The participating countries pledged further financial support for the Grain from Ukraine worth approximately 44 mln USD.
Why should Pakistan join the Grain from Ukraine initiative? By joining the initiative, Pakistan can demonstrate its role as a compassionate and responsible global player. Joining the initiative will strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and Pakistan, pave the way for future partnerships in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and trade.
Pakistan’s participation in the programme will contribute to global food security, ensuring that no one goes hungry. This aligns with Pakistan’s values of generosity and support for those in need, reinforcing its image as a nation that cares about global well-being.
The Grain from Ukraine initiative aligns with key Islamic values.
Firstly, Zakat (Charity), one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves mandatory charity to help those in need. This initiative aims to ensure food security in the poorest countries, reflecting the principle of aiding those in need.
Secondly, Justice is emphasized in Islam as crucial in all aspects of life. Ensuring food security and fighting hunger is a manifestation of social justice.
Thirdly, Compassion towards others is a core value in Islam, and the initiative demonstrates compassion for those suffering from hunger and food shortages.
Lastly, Unity and Cooperation are stressed in Islam, highlighting the importance of bringing together different countries and organizations to achieve a common goal—combating hunger.
As a leading nation in the Muslim world, Pakistan’s involvement in the Grain from Ukraine initiative will inspire other countries to join the cause.
Food security is one of the ten pillars of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It clearly states:
“The matter of food security must be de-weaponized. Any actions that negatively impact food production and supply generate global risks.”
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