(KYIV, UKRAINE) – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a full update of Ukraine’s plan to protect its grain exports, following a series of high level security meetings in the capital. The move comes as the country faces persistent threats to its southern infrastructure and shipping routes, which are vital for global food supplies.
The President confirmed that discussions took place with Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi, Defence Ministry representative Yevhenii Khmara, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, and other government officials. He said the group had set out a clear sequence of steps designed to provide more protection for cities, villages, the southern regions, and critical infrastructure.
“We are updating the plan to protect grain exports,” Mr Zelenskyy stated. He noted strong coordination among defence and security leaders and expressed thanks to Mr Drapatyi and Mr Khmara for their attention to detail. Pavlo Palisa and the team from the Office of the President will continue to assist in finding and carrying out new solutions.
Prime Minister Koretskyi has been tasked with preparing economic and infrastructure alternatives to support the resilience of Ukraine. The head of state explained that the Prime Minister and the entire government team will work on the widest possible diversification of both export and import operations.
“The challenges are very significant. There must also be asymmetric solutions,” Mr Zelenskyy said. The work covers securing fuel supplies for the domestic market, creating additional export routes, and putting together needed support programmes for Ukrainian producers. It also involves close coordination with partners, including neighbouring countries in the region and Brussels. All of this is already underway.
The President made clear that he expects understanding from international allies, identifying air defence as the number one priority where partners can help. He stressed that all agreements must be fulfilled and fulfilled quickly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all Ukrainian diplomats have been instructed to act faster, ensuring that the country’s needs are heard more loudly around the world.
Mr Zelenskyy described these as real needs for the protection of life. He added that it is important that key partner nations are becoming more aware of the true situation in Ukraine, including Russian strikes against the population and Russia’s efforts to prolong the war.
The revised export protection plan does not yet carry a published cost. However, the wider economic context is significant. Ukraine’s grain exports are a major source of foreign currency. In the 2023/24 marketing year, the country exported around 50 million tonnes of grain, with the total value of agricultural exports reaching approximately $22 billion (about £17.2 billion or €20.1 billion). Securing these corridors remains central to the national economy and global food stability.