The Ukrainian government has sent an additional 14,600 metric tonnes of wheat to waring Sudan.
This is the second batch of donations through President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Grain from Ukraine initiative.
The initiative, launched in 2022 in cooperation with the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP), delivers Ukrainian grain to countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East at risk of famine.
The shipment, which arrived in Sudan this week will be distributed by the WFP to areas of the country that are deemed most in need.
The donation is expected to support at least two million people facing severe hunger as the country grapples with an internal displacement crisis, as a result of war.
President Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak said that despite sustained attacks by Russia, they remain determined to support countries struggling with food shortage.
"While the Russian Federation ramps up its attacks on civilian Ukrainian infrastructure, ignoring the constraints of law or reason, Ukrainian farmers are persevering through conflict and devastation to support vulnerable populations around the globe in their hour of need," he said.
"Even as we continue to battle against Russian aggression, we remain determined to meet our commitments to those facing severe hunger."
The first shipment arrived in February, carrying 7,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour.
The second shipment was received by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Egypt, Nahornyi Mykola, who visited the World Food Programme’s warehouses in Port Sudan.
He also met with affected families that will be beneficiaries of the wheat flour from Ukraine.
Mykola affirmed Ukraine's continued support despite the challenges they are also facing.
“Sudan is in a spiral of food insecurity. Ukraine’s ongoing support is vital for those on the brink of starvation. Even while Ukraine deals with its own aggressive war and the existential threat against their people, it is maintaining its role as a global food producer.”
Director of the Humanitarian Affairs Department of Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abdul Raouf Ali Amer welcomed the latest shipment of wheat flour from Ukraine.
He said, “This is the second shipment of wheat flour from Ukraine as part of the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative. We thank the Ukrainian people for their ongoing support, which is proving invaluable in alleviating food gaps and supporting our people through this current difficult period.”
Since the war broke out on April 15, 2023, the United Nations estimates that over 8.5 million have been forcefully displaced in Sudan.
The two warring sides in Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of intensified efforts to obstruct the delivery of aid into the country by humanitarian organisations.
Source: The Star