UN ready to purchase up to 1 million tons of Ukrainian grain

The UN World Food Program (WFP) is ready to purchase up to 1 million tons of Ukrainian grain for humanitarian operations.

This is reported by the Grain Exchange.

During the negotiations, the Ukrainian government and WFP discussed the export of Ukrainian agricultural products in conditions of limited seaport operations, the development of alternative routes, and the further implementation of the Food from Ukraine initiative.

The WFP confirmed its readiness to continue purchasing Ukrainian grain and organize its transportation via alternative routes, in particular through the Romanian port of Constanta.

At the same time, the actual volumes of purchases will depend on the available funding for the program and the throughput capacity of logistics.

Currently, part of Ukrainian agricultural exports is redirected via the Danube, railway and road routes, as well as the port of Constanta. According to estimates given during the negotiations, these routes can provide about half of the required volume of transportation, but they are more expensive and slower than traditional sea exports.

Separately, WFP, together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is working on a $50 million World Food Invest Ukraine investment instrument.

It is planned to be directed to support agricultural producers, processing enterprises and storage operators, including in frontline regions.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry discussed with WFP the attacks on the sea corridor and food security issues.