The United States, together with international partners, is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and will stand by the Ukrainian government until Russia abides by its international obligations.
A secure Ukraine, integrated with Europe and enjoying good relations with all its neighbors, is in the interests of the United States, Europe, Africa, and Russia.
We condemn Russia’s decision to terminate its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, disrupting the flow of grain and other food commodities from Ukraine’s ports to world markets.
Ukraine is one of the world’s most important producers of grain.
In order to punish Ukraine, the Russian government is weaponizing food and deliberately undermining global food security and price stability.
The world needs Ukrainian grain. Under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the UN World Food Program procured over half its global wheat grain from Ukraine.
The World Food Program is the major contributor to emergency food assistance in Madagascar and feeds over 1 million vulnerable people here.
Russia’s actions will drive up world prices yet again and will directly impact the people of Madagascar’s food security.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has been a global leader in mitigating the invasion’s impact on food security.
We and our allies will continue our emergency assistance while building resilience and supporting Malagasy people’s well-being and economic growth.
Thank you,
The PDF Malagasy version of this speech is downloadable here.