The third International Summit on Food Security, hosted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, spotlighted the country’s efforts to combat global food insecurity while enduring the devastating impact of Russia’s ongoing war.

Shmyhal revealed that Ukraine’s Grain from Ukraine initiative has raised over $200 million, delivering 280,000 tonnes of grain to Africa and other regions in dire need over the past two years.

Grain as a Weapon of War

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andril Sybiha, accused Russia of weaponising food by targeting Ukrainian agriculture and infrastructure to incite hunger worldwide.

“Stalin could not destroy Ukraine, and neither can Russia. Ukraine is guaranteeing food security for the world,” he stated.

Sybiha detailed the destruction caused by the war: 30% of Ukraine’s agricultural land has been destroyed, 20% remains occupied, and over 300 port facilities and ships meant to export food have been damaged.

He urged global cooperation, warning that without sustainable systems, food insecurity will deepen.

Global Leaders Rally Support

The summit attracted support from leaders worldwide, many of whom condemned Russia’s actions and lauded Ukraine’s resilience.

• Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský accused Russia of attempting to “erase Ukraine and its people from the surface of the earth,” noting that the war’s impact extends far beyond Europe.

He praised Ukraine’s resilience and pledged Czech support for the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

• Estonian President Alar Karis called for Ukraine’s rebuilding and announced Estonia’s financial contributions for demining Ukrainian farmland.
• Swiss President Viola Amherd highlighted the war’s global consequences and praised Grain from Ukraine as a symbol of resilience.

“Food is a fundamental right, and today’s summit is a powerful reminder of the good we can achieve together,” she said.

Financial Contributions and Global Solidarity

Several nations announced new pledges to support the initiative:
• Luxembourg committed €1.5 million.
• Portugal pledged €2 million, emphasizing Ukraine’s generosity as a global food provider.
• Finland announced €13.5 million for Grain from Ukraine and additional funding for school meal programs in Ukraine.
• Sweden committed $10 million, adding to the $255 million it has already provided for global food security.

Leaders from Cape Verde, Croatia, Iceland, and Japan also voiced strong support, condemning Russia’s aggression and underscoring the importance of Ukraine’s grain initiative.

Call to Action

Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal framed the summit as a rallying cry for collective action. “This is a call to act together. Without long-term systems, the war on Ukrainian grain will deepen food insecurity across the world,” he stated.

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles echoed this sentiment, commending the initiative as an example of how solidarity can transform lives and urging sustained global commitment to food security.

Impact on Global Hunger

With 309 million people worldwide facing severe hunger, the summit underscored the urgency of sustaining food supply chains amid conflict.

The initiative has become a critical lifeline, demonstrating Ukraine’s resolve to remain a provider of food security despite the challenges.

As Croatia’s President Zoran Milanović noted, “Every shipment of grain is more than sustenance—it is a lifeline.”

Looking Ahead

As winter looms, Ukraine’s allies pledged continued support to bolster agricultural recovery and sustain global food supplies.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to the Grain from Ukraine project, affirming the importance of global unity in the fight against hunger and aggression.