Ukraine has asked the Philippine government to support its “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, which delivers Ukrainian agricultural products to nations facing critical food shortages.
In a statement, Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, said the initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2022 has provided 286,000 tons of food, including wheat, flour, and vegetable oil, to 12 countries in Africa and Asia in less than a year.
“For the Philippines, this program holds significant importance. Supporting Ukraine’s agricultural sector not only guarantees access to high-quality products but also reinforces a vital source of food supply for the region,” said Mykhailiuk.
Before the war, Ukraine was a leading global food producer, supplying agricultural products to 400 million people annually. It accounted for 47% of the world’s sunflower oil production, 17% of barley, 14% of corn, and 10% of wheat, the Ukrainian diplomat said.
These commodities are essential to the Philippines, where bread, noodles, and other wheat-based products are dietary staples, he said.
“Food security is a global concern, and disruptions to Ukraine’s food supply chains have placed millions at risk, including Filipinos,” said Mykhailiuk.
He said the choice to support “Grain from Ukraine” is a choice to invest in a stable, secure, and food-sufficient world—a cause that the Philippines cannot afford to overlook.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, disruptions to Ukrainian agricultural exports have intensified the global food crisis. Targeted strikes on ports, maritime blockades, and the destruction of over 300,000 tons of grain by October 2023 have left millions at risk of hunger. The World Food Program estimates that 345 million people worldwide face food insecurity, with 70 million directly impacted by the disruption of Ukraine’s food supply chains.
As the global food crisis deepens, Ukraine’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative has emerged as a vital lifeline for nations grappling with food insecurity.
Mykhailiuk said that for a country heavily reliant on imported agricultural products, the Philippines’ support of this initiative is also a humanitarian act and a strategic move to safeguard national food security and strengthen global solidarity.
In Asia, where Ukrainian grains have long been integral to diets and food systems, the impact of the war in Ukraine has been particularly severe.
The Philippines, a net importer of wheat and other grains, has felt the ripple effects of this crisis in higher prices and reduced availability of staple foods.
Participating in “Grain from Ukraine,” the Philippines also strengthens regional and global partnerships.
Mykhailiuk said the initiative is an inspiring example of resilience in the face of war and a stand against war-induced hunger and instability. He said it aligns with the Philippines’ advocacy for peace and shared responsibility in global challenges.
As Ukraine calls for more global partners to join its fight against hunger, the Philippines has an opportunity to take a leading role in Asia.
“Together, we can ensure that no Filipino—or anyone around the world—suffers from hunger caused by war. By standing with Ukraine and supporting its farmers, nations take a crucial step toward creating a resilient and food-secure future,” Mykhailiuk added.
