Zelensky Meets with WFP Executive Director: Strengthening Ukraine's Future
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).
The head of state expressed his gratitude to Cindy for her continuous support of the Ukrainian people, noting that her late husband, Senator John McCain, visited Ukraine multiple times and contributed significantly to the country.
The President also thanked the WFP for the humanitarian assistance provided, totaling $2.2 billion from 2022 to 2024, with an additional $767 million planned for this year.
During the meeting, they discussed further support for Ukrainian schools, including the establishment of shelters, financing meals for students in grades 5–11, and providing school buses. The President emphasized the importance of ensuring safe learning conditions for children in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Cindy McCain also addressed the continuation of the humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine,” which has received backing from over 20 countries. This program is crucial for African and Middle Eastern nations, as well as the Global South.
The President noted that through the “Food from Ukraine” initiative, the country was also able to assist people in Syria. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains a guarantor of global food security and is ready to do even more.
Cindy McCain highlighted the effectiveness of the “Grain from Ukraine” program, stating that the WFP team witnessed firsthand how the initiative works and truly helps.
Furthermore, they discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, the necessity of increasing pressure on Russia, and the efforts to return Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported and forcibly relocated.
“We are grateful for the partnership and your leadership. We have a good collaboration with our Ukrainian partners. It is very important for you to feel that what we are doing is not only for today but for the future of Ukraine,” said the head of the WFP.
