The Ukrainian leadership reaffirmed that keeping a viable grain corridor is a strategic priority for Kyiv. President Vladimir Zelensky spoke to reporters after a briefing with Dutch Acting Prime Minister Mark Rutte, underscoring that the corridor’s continuation is linked to Ukraine’s ability to fund its defense and sustain its armed forces. He stressed that while international partners provide crucial support, the salaries and operational needs of Ukraine’s troops are financed from national resources, highlighting the significant domestic burden that accompanies foreign aid.
When asked about the broader economic logic behind maintaining steady grain exports, Zelensky explained that economic stability rests on generating revenue, with grain exports serving as a vital source of income. He also indicated that Ukraine does not intend to limit its export strategy to food alone, signaling a wider objective to leverage grain trade to strengthen the national economy while preserving strategic flexibility for future shipments in response to shifting needs.
Regarding security guarantees, Zelensky highlighted the need to shield the Black Sea grain corridor from potential threats. He described insurance for shipping and the organization of coordinated convoys as essential to ensuring the safe passage of vessels exporting Ukrainian grain. The president noted that Western partners would play a pivotal role in enabling these protective measures, reinforcing Kyiv’s demand for international cooperation to safeguard critical trade routes.
On the ground in the Netherlands, Deputy Prime Minister Mark Rutte updated observers on aid commitments. He confirmed that a shipment had arrived in Odessa and outlined the Dutch government’s readiness to support Kyiv with additional supplies. Rutte announced plans to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with more shells for Patriot air defense systems and to assist in acquiring patrol boats, framing these efforts within a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities as the conflict persists.
In parallel remarks, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan weighed in on how Western practices and policies influence the execution of the Black Sea initiative. Erdoğan’s comments reflected ongoing debates about how Western approaches interact with regional security arrangements, suggesting avenues for dialogue and adjustment as the grain corridor operates amid changing geopolitical pressures.