Zelensky: Ukrainian grain export depends on fulfillment of security parameters, which is UN's and Turkey's responsibility

MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - The export of grain and other food products from Ukraine depends on the fulfillment of security parameters, which is the responsibility of the United Nations and Turkey, which have signed the relevant treaty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"The implementation of the initiative on the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products from our ports in the Black Sea began today. The first vessel carrying 26,000 tonnes of corn left the port of Odesa. As of now, it is too early to draw any conclusions and predict further events. But the port started working, export traffic started, and this can be called the first positive signal that there is a chance to stop the spread of the food crisis in the world," the Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as saying in his video address on Monday evening.

"Currently, everything depends on the implementation of the security parameters of the initiative, which is the responsibility of the partners, primarily the United Nations and Turkey," he said.

At the same time, there can be no illusions that Russia will refrain from attempts to disrupt Ukrainian exports, he said.

"So, we'll see how the agreements will work and whether there will really be security," Zelensky said.

Ukraine stands ready to do a great deal to help stabilize the world food market, he said, adding that it will largely benefit Ukraine itself.

"This is not only about billions of dollars in foreign exchange revenue, as about half a million Ukrainians are involved in the cultivation of agricultural export crops, and if we add related industries, then this is plus a million jobs. That is why there is the appropriate state attention to the implementation of the export initiative. Our people really need it," Zelensky said.