President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the Indonesian think tank Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia.
The video of the speech was published by the Office of the President.
Zelenskiy thanked Indonesia for supporting Ukraine in countering russian aggression, as well as for the opportunity to speak. He stressed that the world is now on the verge of several crises, including food.
"Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of food - grain and other agricultural products. But for the fourth month Ukrainian exports have been blocked due to russia's full-scale war against our country on our territory. Russia has blocked access to our Black Sea ports and occupied our part of the Azov coast. As a result of this blockade, most of the traditional routes of Ukrainian trade have been blocked," Zelenskiy said.
He noted that more than 20 million tons of grain are in storage. Ukraine cannot direct them to the world market. Therefore, in a few months grain prices could rise "catastrophically". Therefore, some countries are forced to decide to close exports to keep domestic prices from rising and protect their own consumption.
"Already in July, when last year's reserves will run out in many countries, it will become obvious that the catastrophe is actually approaching," Zelenskiy said.
He noted that the naval blockade is an unacceptable instrument of pressure. The President called for assistance to Ukraine in building new export routes, including by rail.
It will be recalled that in April, G20 chairman and Indonesian President Joko Vidodo invited Zelenskiy to take part in the summit.