Stories by Rahman Ismail
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that only diplomacy will end the war with Russia, as his top officials rule out a ceasefire or ceding any territory.
Russia continues its push into the Donbas with heavy strikes on numerous cities in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden tweeted a video of himself signing the U.S.’s $40 billion aid package to Ukraine while on a visit to Seoul, South Korea.
However, Ukrainian first lady, Olena Zelenska, details war’s impact on her family saying they were basically ripped apart like much of the nation, according to the Washington post.
Zelenska and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sat down for a joint television interview with ICTV, making it only the second time the couple has appeared together since the invasion began, the Post reported.
“Our family was torn apart, as every other Ukrainian family,” Zelenska said. “He lives at his job. We didn’t see him at all for 2 1/2 months.”
Zelenska has kept a low profile since the war began. She made a public appearance for the first time earlier this month when meeting with U.S. first lady Jill Biden in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy warned in February that he was Russia’s “target No. 1” and his family was “target No. 2.”
On the same note, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has warned of a food crisis to follow the energy crisis as its ports, from which vital exports of agricultural produce are exported to the rest of the world, remain blocked by Russian forces and attacks.
“The world community must help Ukraine unblock seaports, otherwise the energy crisis will be followed by a food crisis and many more countries will face it,” Zelenskyy said.
“Russia has blocked almost all ports and all, so to speak, maritime opportunities to export food — our grain, barley, sunflower and more. A lot of things.”
“There will be a crisis in the world,” he warned. “The second crisis after the energy one, which was provoked by Russia. Now it will create a food crisis if we do not unblock the routes for Ukraine, do not help the countries of Africa, Europe, Asia, which need these food products.”
Before the war, more than 95% of Ukraine’s total grain, wheat and corn exports was shipped out via the Black Sea, and half of those exports went to countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The region is already facing severe food inflation and shortages.
