Ukraine and Lithuania step up cooperation to support frontline farmers and counter Russian grain

Taras Vysotskyi, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, and First Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk held an online meeting with Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture Kęstutis Mažeika. The parties discussed support for Ukrainian agricultural producers amid the blockade of Black Sea ports, tighter checks on the origin of Russian grain, expanded cooperation and preparations for the international Food from Ukraine forum.

Particular attention went to supporting farmers in frontline regions. The talks covered the transfer of 2,800 grain bags to Ukrainian farmers for temporary harvest storage under international technical assistance projects. This will expand storage capacity on farms operating close to the front line.

"This is critical support for our farmers, especially those working near the front line. With Russian attacks on port infrastructure and a difficult shipping security situation, the ability to store the harvest is especially important. We are grateful to Lithuania for its consistent support and practical help to Ukraine's agricultural sector," said Taras Vysotskyi.

The parties also focused on countering exports of Russian grain and checking its origin. Kęstutis Mažeika said that from 16 November, Lithuania's State Food and Veterinary Service will begin inspecting every consignment of food grain arriving from Russia and Belarus.

They stressed the importance of coordinated action by the Baltic states and the EU as a whole to keep Russian grain from reaching European markets through their transport and port infrastructure.

Another topic was preparations for the fifth international high-level food security conference, Food from Ukraine. This year's event will be held under the title "Save the Grain."

Taras Vysotskyi stressed that Ukraine continues to develop the humanitarian Food from Ukraine initiative, launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, and remains steadfastly committed to global food security, even during full-scale war.

The parties also agreed to continue coordinating bilaterally and at international venues, including within the FAO, and to deepen cooperation as Ukraine moves toward European integration.