Zelenskyy Pushes for Ukraine’s Grain to Aid Syria as Russia's Wheat Exports Halt After Assad

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to establish food supply routes to Syria, working with international organizations to address food insecurity following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The move highlights Ukraine's strategic role as a global grain supplier.

Ukraine Sets Sights on Syria for Post-Assad Food Aid

According to Reuters, in the wake of the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that he had given his government the instruction to establish supply channels in order to provide food to Syria in collaboration with international organizations and partners.

In addition to being one of the leading exporters of grains and oilseeds in the world, Ukraine has been exporting wheat and corn to countries in the Middle East, but it has not been exporting these commodities to Syria.

Russian wheat deliveries have been discontinued due to the uncertainty and payment delays, according to sources from both Russia and Syria, who spoke on Friday. During the time that Assad was in power, Syria continued to purchase food from Russia.

Russian Wheat Suspension Leaves Syria Vulnerable

"We are ready to assist Syria in preventing a food crisis, particularly through the humanitarian program 'Grain from Ukraine'," Zelenskyy stated on X.

"I have instructed the government to establish food supply mechanisms in cooperation with international organizations and partners who can help."

Ukraine Overcomes Black Sea Blockade to Resume Exports

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of cargo that were allowed to pass across the Black Sea, Investing.com shares.

Since that time, Ukraine has lifted a de facto sea blockade and has resumed exports from its ports in the southern region of Odesa.