The United States has pledged financial assistance to Ukraine’s neighbors to purchase vessels such as pilot boats, as well as to facilitate the transshipment and cross-border transit of grain from Ukraine to further support regional efforts in this regard, the US Embassy in Bucharest said. Friday. It will be recalled that during the day a meeting was held in Galata with the participation of officials from Romania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, the USA and the EU, at which joint measures necessary after Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement on grain export through the Black Sea were discussed.

The port of Odesa in Ukraine, a key area of ​​the Black Sea Grain Agreement, was attacked by Russia immediately after the end of the agreementPhoto: Yuliy Zozulya / Zuma Press / Profimedia Images
  • To what extent Romania wants to increase the transit capacity of grain from Ukraine through our country. What was agreed in Galatasaray with the representatives of Ukraine, Moldova, the USA and the EU

In a statement sent Friday night, the United States Embassy said that American representatives joined officials from Romania, Ukraine, Moldova and the European Union to support Ukrainian grain exports.

  • “This step will be aimed at solving the global food security problem caused by Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Export Initiative (BSGI).
  • Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from BSGI and attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain silos have disrupted grain markets and left people around the world without food, including in the Global South and the most food-insecure countries.
  • BSGI has exported more than 32 million tons of grain since the beginning of last August, and food prices have risen by about 10% since Russia withdrew from BSGI.
  • As Russia’s heavy weaponization of food has dire consequences for vulnerable populations around the world, the United States, Romania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and the European Union are committed to confronting Russia’s barbaric actions and finding viable solutions.
  • This high-level meeting demonstrates our common commitment to bring Ukrainian grain to the market, despite Russia’s efforts,” the US embassy said.

According to the quoted source, during the meeting, the participants expressed their gratitude for the continuous support and assistance that Romania and the Republic of Moldova provide to the neighboring country of Ukraine in the context of the large-scale invasion of Russia and continuous attacks. missiles and drones, including ports and mines.

“Efforts of Romania and the Republic of Moldova to promote the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain were important to ensure that millions of people around the world do not suffer from hunger,” the US diplomatic mission noted.

What aid does the United States promise?

In this context, the US Embassy says that the United States will remain “committed to partnering with the government and people of Ukraine,” including by providing financial support and supplies, expanding alternative export routes, and modernizing Ukrainian checkpoints. The United States will also help modernize critical rail and road transportation and transshipment infrastructure, expand access to rail car parts and assembly lines, and support the private sector along the Danube to increase export opportunities.

At the same time, to further support regional efforts, the United States has pledged financial assistance to Ukraine’s neighbors to purchase vessels such as pilot boats, as well as to facilitate cross-border transshipment and transit.

  • “These measures are a step forward in efforts aimed at increasing the export of grain from Ukraine.
  • However, Russia bears full responsibility for rising food prices and the high risk to vulnerable populations around the world.
  • Russia blames the sanctions regime imposed by the West for the food shortage. This statement is incorrect. The international community has not targeted exports of agricultural products from Russia, including fertilizers, due to the sanctions regime.
  • The United States calls on Russia to immediately stop attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, rejoin the BGSI Initiative, expand, develop and fully implement the terms of the Initiative,” the US diplomatic mission in Bucharest said.

Friday’s meeting in Galati was attended by Ambassador Jim O’Brien, US State Department sanctions coordinator, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec and acting deputy head of the US mission. in the Republic of Moldova, Mary Alexander together with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania Sorin Grindianu, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Volodymyr Bolea and the Director General of the European Commission for Mobility and Transport Magda Kopcynska.

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