Zelenskyy says Black Sea blockade could leave countries without enough food

Zelenskyy made the remarks during the Yalta European Strategy meeting on Sept. 11.

He said the prolonged war has become a challenge not only for Ukraine, but also for Russia’s economy and countries around the world.

“One example is the blockade of the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said. “Today we have a blocked food corridor. It is almost blocked on the Ukrainian side, and it is blocked on the Russian side. And this is a challenge for everyone. I have spoken with Egypt, India, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.”

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine itself will not run out of food.

Grain prices inside the country are likely to fall because exports will become more expensive, sales infrastructure more difficult to operate and logistics severely disrupted, he said.

“This will be very difficult for us,” Zelenskyy said. “But apart from Ukraine, other countries will be in a much worse situation, where there simply will be no food.”

“Many nations will have nothing to eat, even if they have money. That is the truth. This will be Hormuz, but for agriculture. And this is a serious problem. Ukraine should not be the only country solving it, because this is a challenge for many.”

Zelenskyy said agriculture and energy are currently two major challenges for the entire world.

If peace is impossible at present because “one person” does not want it, countries can still address an energy ceasefire and food security, he said.

“These decisions can be made,” Zelenskyy added.

Ukraine raised these issues long ago, but they have now become highly relevant again, the president said.