The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, addressed the Security Council with a focused message on Ukraine and the urgent need for a durable agreement governing grain and food shipments. He urged all parties involved in the existing arrangement to remain committed and open to extending the framework beyond its current expiration date. This mechanism is presented as a vital tool for stabilizing world food markets and supporting vulnerable populations who rely on predictable deliveries. The Secretary-General highlighted the UN’s unwavering resolve to remove obstacles that impede Russian food and fertilizer exports. The aim is to ensure shipments are predictable, safe, and affordable for importing countries, while reinforcing the principle that food security should not be caught in larger political disputes. He noted ongoing UN system efforts to coordinate humanitarian and commercial interests so that shipments move swiftly through corridors that have already been opened, even as broader geopolitical tensions introduce logistical and regulatory challenges across the global stage.
During parallel remarks, the European Union’s top diplomat articulated a closely aligned stance in a special General Assembly session. The EU representative underscored the urgency of extending the grain agreement, which is due to expire in March, to protect the gains already achieved. The dialogue reflected a broad international consensus on maintaining uninterrupted grain flows, especially amid volatility in global commodity markets. It reinforced the close link between global food security and peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. The discussion also emphasized keeping a predictable supply chain that benefits farmers, producers, and consumers alike, while upholding stringent safety and quality standards governing exports. The overarching message suggested that humanitarian considerations and commercial interests can advance together when there is sustained political will and practical pathways for cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the food-export ecosystem.
Earlier, Yuriy Vaskov, a senior official within Ukraine’s infrastructure ministry, proposed a concrete path forward. He stated that Kyiv would engage Turkey and the United Nations in constructive negotiations aimed at extending the grain deal for a period longer than the current term and broadening its reach to include additional Ukrainian ports. The proposal seeks to deepen Ukraine’s role in the export corridor so that more regional ports become accessible for shipments, increasing capacity and resilience of the national logistics network. The plan envisions refining the operational framework to ensure frontier procedures, port operations, and inland logistics remain efficient, secure, and aligned with international norms. Such improvements would help maintain trader confidence and reduce delays. Officials emphasized that any extension should come with verifiable guarantees and clear technical parameters to reassure importing countries, shipping lines, and global logistical partners that the system remains reliable even as broader tensions persist in the region. Negotiations are expected to address practical details ranging from insurance and financing arrangements to standardization of border procedures, all designed to preserve the corridor’s continuity and its positive impact on global food stability. In parallel, regional stakeholders are assessing contingency measures to protect supply chains against potential disruptions and to support farmers who depend on stable access to export markets. The collective aim is to ensure that, regardless of political frictions, the global community maintains a steady, transparent, and fair system for moving grain and related agricultural products across borders.
The discussions reflect a shared recognition across international bodies that food security acts as a foundation for broader social and economic stability. They reaffirm the principle that essential commodities should move with minimal hindrance, and that cooperation among nations is essential to weather market shocks. Stakeholders are exploring mechanisms to align humanitarian relief with commercial activity, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met without compromising the integrity and efficiency of trade networks. As the dialogue continues, the international community remains committed to practical, verifiable measures that support continuous flow, safeguard port operations, and maintain predictable procedures at border checkpoints. The overarching objective is a durable framework that sustains confidence among traders, shippers, insurers, and importing nations while contributing to a more stable and resilient global food system for the foreseeable future.