Zelensky has first-ever phone call with Ethiopia PM, talks disruption grain initiative by Russia

This was discussed during a phone call which was the first one held at the top level in the history of bilateral relations, the Ukrainian head of state reported on Telegram.

"During the first phone call in the history of bilateral relations with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, I told him about Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, illegal blocking of navigation, and shelling of Ukraine's port and energy infrastructure. We discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit. I invited the Prime Minister to visit Ukraine," Zelensky said.

The president also invited the prime minister of Ethiopia to visit Ukraine.

He also noted the need to create a platform for dialogue with African countries.

"The voice of Ethiopia, the African Union, all of Africa is very important to us," the head of state emphasized.

At the same time, he said that Ukraine sent almost 300,000 tons of food to Ethiopia as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and another 90,000 tons of grain as part of the separate Grain from Ukraine initiative.

Zelensky assured his counterpart that Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of global food security, and is also interested in developing bilateral relations with Ethiopia in the fields of security, digitalization, and others.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on July 17, Russia announced the termination of the agreement with Türkiye and the UN regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The agreement was concluded in July 2022. For this purpose, two documents were signed: with the participation of the UN, Türkiye, and Ukraine, and separately – by the UN, Türkiye, and Russia. The agreement was extended several times.