The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s actions in disposing of grain that was illegally seized from Ukrainian farmers.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s actions in disposing of grain that was illegally seized from Ukrainian farmers. Russian occupants are stealing Ukrainian grain and either consuming it themselves or attempting to sell it on international markets. The plunder of food supplies from the territory of an independent sovereign state is one of the aspects of looting,” the MFA said in a comment posted on the website on Wednesday.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine warned consumer countries that grain consignments exported by Russia could contain stolen grain obtained as a result of Russian occupation authorities’ plundering. Any country that knowingly purchases stolen grain is considered to be complicit in the crime.”
According to existing information, the occupants have already seized at least 400-500 thousand tons of grain worth more than $100 million, according to the Ukrainian government. It is known that “almost all grain-laden ships departing from Sevastopol transport stolen Ukrainian commodities.”
“The criminal seizure, export and consumption of Ukrainian is another example of Russia’s destructive acts, which, in particular, contravene the fundamental principles of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – achieving food security for all and overcoming hunger,” the ministry emphasizes.
In addition, “the aggressor state’s policy puts into doubt the relevance of its participation in FAO and other international organizations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demands that Russia stop illicit grain stealing, unblock Ukrainian ports, restore freedom of navigation, and allow trade ships to pass.
“We urge the international community to strengthen economic sanctions against Russia in order to stop its military aggression against Ukraine, to avert a humanitarian disaster and the world’s food security crisis,” the ministry said.
The Washington Post creates a new bureau in Kyiv , which will be headed by Isabel Khurshudyan.
Max Berak will be the chief correspondent of the Ukrainian bureau. This important step signals the publication’s long-term commitment to covering Russia’s war against Ukraine, as it will continue to be this year’s top story.
The German Embassy in Ukraine has resumed work in Kyiv.
“We are back! Yesterday, the German Embassy resumed its work in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock raised the German flag in front of the Embassy building,” the Embassy said on Twitter on Wednesday.
The Greek Embassy in Ukraine resumes its work in Kyiv, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece said.
“The Greek Embassy in Kyiv, whose leadership left the city for security reasons shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, is reopening in the city with the necessary staff,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website Tuesday.
The Embassy, together with the Consulate General in Odesa, which operates as usual, will continue to provide assistance to Greek citizens, as well as expatriates in Ukraine.
The German Embassy will resume work in Kyiv, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock has said.
“Today we are also here, reopening our German embassy in Kyiv. At first it will be a limited activity. I am very glad that I am here with the Ambassador, Anka Feldhusen. She is accompanying me and she will continue to work in your free city” , Burbock said at a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Tuesday.
According to preliminary calculations, Kyiv city budget will lose one third of its revenues, i.e. more than UAH 20 billion, because of the Russian aggression, according to the press service of mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitali Klitschko.
He noted that today it is impossible to calculate this amount accurately because the war is still going on. “It is not quite correct to make monthly calculations because the budget is envisaged for one year. In general for 2022 we, according to preliminary calculations, will receive a third of the budget shortfall. That is more than UAH 20 billion. But, I emphasize, that these are preliminary estimates,” Klitschko said on the air of radio NV.
The mayor noted that at present the city’s economy is slowly coming back to life, businesses are coming back to work. Also, the percentage of payment for utility services provided is growing in the capital.
“For example, 55% of Kyiv citizens paid for utilities for March. And I am very grateful to them for that since these funds were spent for the necessary materials. They were spent on salaries to employees of enterprises, who, often risking their lives, provide the city with all services,” Klitschko said.
