Some states already confirm financing of dispatch of vessels carrying Ukrainian grain under Zelensky's initiative

MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Several states, among them Belgium, Germany and Poland, have already confirmed the financing of the dispatch of vessels with Ukrainian grain exports on board, deputy head of the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's Office Andrei Sibiga said.

Tentative confirmation has also been received from Japan, Turkey and the United States, Sibiga said.

Head of Zelensky's Office Andrei Yermak on Thursday held a meeting on the implementation of the Ukrainian president's Grain from Ukraine initiative, Ukrainian media said, citing the press service for the Ukrainian President's Office. The meeting was attended by representatives of the President's Office, ministries and agencies, as well as Ukrainian ambassadors, foreign diplomats, and representatives of international organizations.

During the meeting, Sibiga called on all participants to consider the possibility of joining this Ukrainian initiative.

German Ambassador to Ukraine Anka Feldhusen said that her country stands ready to continue financing the dispatch of vessels carrying grain to countries in need.

Turkey's Ambassador to Ukraine Yagmur Ahmet Guldere, for his part, said that Turkey is now considering how it can help put the Grain from Ukraine initiative into practice, also providing assurances that Turkey will make further efforts to maintain the functioning of the grain corridor.

Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong, in turn, noted that China supports steps aimed at ensuring global food security and appreciates efforts that help ease the ongoing crisis, including the further functioning of the Istanbul grain deal.

Representatives of the U.S. embassy to Ukraine also backed the Ukrainian initiative and announced their readiness to help this program succeed.