The memory of the Holodomor should prompt the world to take decisive action to prevent russia from using food as weapons.

This was stated by Martin Harris, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Ukraine, at a special event of the Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.

“Some people find it hard to imagine a regime that uses food as a weapon. But this is what we witness now after the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia destroyed some 280,000 tons of grain in one month. This grain would be enough to feed a million people for one year,” he emphasized.

The diplomat noted that the tactic of using food as a weapon is not used for the first time, in particular, happened during the Holodomors in Ukraine in 1932-1933 and 1946-1947.

“We remember as an impulse to action. If food is used as a weapon, then we must stop it – we must disarm russia. We need to ensure and guarantee that Ukrainian grain is delivered to those who need it,” he emphasized.

The Ambassador also stressed the importance of cataloging the crimes committed during the russian aggression in Ukraine. He recalled the story of the British journalist Gareth Jones, who visited Ukraine during the Holodomor of 1932-1933 and told the whole world about what was happening in Ukraine.

“Gareth Jones said it was important to create a catalog of crime evidence. And I am proud that today we are supporting the Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian people in creating a catalog of evidence of Russia’s crimes during this brutal invasion of Ukraine,” said Martin Harris.

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.