russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain initiative is reminiscent of the events that took place in Ukraine in the 1930s during the Holodomor.

This was stated by Bridget Brink, the United States Ambassador to Ukraine during a special event of the Kyiv Security Forum, founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine".

“Today we all look back to the time and the brutal actions of Stalin, when millions of Ukrainians were put to death. This is something that should never be repeated,” she emphasized.

“Today, it is more important than ever to remember this outrageous tragedy and work together to do our best to prevent it from happening again. However, we observe now certain parallels with the past. Since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain initiative last summer, we have witnessed deliberate attacks on grain and port infrastructure, on food for the world,” the Ambassador said.

Bridget Brink also reminded the audience that the Black Sea “grain initiative" became operational in the summer of 2022, and allowed some 32 million metric tons of grain and other products to be delivered to various countries of the world in one year.

“When Russia withdrew from the agreement and launched attacks on respective infrastructure, it looked hopeless not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world. But due to the spirit and ingenuity of Ukrainian people and respective support of other courageous people establishing an alternative corridor, we saw more than 130 ships enter and leave the Black Sea Humanitarian Corridor,” she said.

The United States, according to the Ambassador, will help Ukrainian government to assist this corridor and keep it going.

"We are determined not to let Russia to stop the flow of food to the world and to prevent food from being used as a weapon,” Bridget Brink summed up.

The Kyiv Security Forum established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the major platform in this country to discuss problems and issues of war and peace, of national and global security.