2023-11-26 19:52:30
The EU is providing Ukraine with 50 million euros to rebuild and expand its ports damaged by Russian attacks. “Improved port capacities will accelerate the export of food and other goods that Ukraine supplies to global markets,” said a letter from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Over time, our investments should allow Ukraine’s ports to return to pre-war export volumes,” it said on Saturday. On the platform X, formerly Twitter, von der Leyen wrote regarding the letter published there: “Despite the war, Ukraine continues to feed the world. You can count on the EU in these efforts.”
The 50 million pledge coincided with an international food safety summit in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Federal President Alain Berset also took part in the meeting.
Despite the war, Ukraine keeps feeding the world.
In this effort, you can count on the EU.
We continue enhancing our Solidarity Lanes and will provide €50 million to repair your port infrastructure.
Together we ship Ukrainian grain to the world.@ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/2kEELoEKKD
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 25, 2023
Ukraine is one of the largest grain exporters in the world. In particular, the Russian blockade of its Black Sea ports has made it significantly more difficult for Ukraine to bring its products to international markets. As a key interface to the international export business, Russia’s army has also repeatedly targeted the infrastructure of Ukrainian ports.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj and Federal President Alain Berset (from left) speak following the meeting on grain trade in Kiev.
EPA
Zelensky also announced at the weekend summit that international grain freighters crossing the Black Sea might in future be escorted by Ukrainian ships in order to further increase security. “We already have concrete agreements to preserve ships,” he said. “That is a question of the near future.” He didn’t give any details.
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