Zelenskyy: Grain Deal Fully Meets Ukraine’s Interests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed that the grain deal with Russia fully meets Ukraine’s interests.

"The text of the document signed today is published, and everyone can read its points. They fully meet the interests of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in an address to the nation.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will export 20 million tons of last year's grain harvest and part of this year's harvest, providing a chance to reduce the severity of the global food crisis.

Zelenskyy pointed out that the signing of the grain deal is another illustration that Ukraine can withstand the conflict with Russia, stressing confidence in the United Nations' control over the implementation of the contract.

"There may be some kind of provocations on the part of Russia. <…> But we trust the UN. It is now their responsibility and the responsibility of our international partners to guarantee implementation of the agreements," he noted.

In the same vein, Ukraine announced that Russia would not accompany ships in the Black Sea ports under the new grain deal signed on Friday.

The grain document was inked by Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Alexander Kubrakov, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to TASS.

Media outlets reported that the agreement would enable Ukraine to resume shipping grain from the Black Sea to international markets. Moreover, Russia will begin exporting grain and fertilizers, ending global food security.

“No transport-escort by Russian ships and no presence of representatives in our ports. In case of provocations, an immediate military response [sic],” Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to the head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, wrote on Twitter.