Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Oleksandr Kubrakov told: "Today, together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we demonstrated to Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte the consequences of Russian aggression on Ukrainian ports.

During his visit to the port of Odesa, Mr. Rutte saw with his own eyes how the russians deliberately destroy the infrastructure involved in agricultural exports.

17 massive attacks since russia's withdrawal from the Grain Agreement, a 40% reduction in the export potential of ports, almost 300,000 tonnes of destroyed grain - this is russia's attempt to deepen the food crisis in those countries that depend on Ukrainian products.

russia is creating threats to navigation in the Black Sea, but the Ukrainian military knows how to give a tangible rebuff to the occupiers. Thanks to this, we were able to create an opportunity for a temporary corridor for civilian vessels. It has already been called the Ukrainian Corridor.

As of today 21 vessels have already used this corridor for exports while 25 vessels have entered ports for loading. We continue to work on expanding the corridor, it is our responsibility for the world's food security.

The Netherlands is one of the partner countries that can become a reliable partner in protecting Ukrainian infrastructure and ensuring systematic exports of Ukrainian food to global markets.

We also discussed the results of the Grain Initiative with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

It has enabled the world to receive almost 33 million tonnes of food. 60% of it was received by the countries of Africa and Asia. However, the world's need is much greater. Ukraine could have provided at least 57 million tonnes if the russians had not blocked the grain corridor.

We continue to emphasize that with the support of our partners, we are capable of ensuring systematic agricultural exports and free navigation in the Black Sea. Neither Ukraine nor global food security should depend on the aggressor country."