Ukraine’s independence is a firm commitment to self-determination
Mykola Dzhydzhora, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Kuwait, emphasized that for eleven years, Ukrainians have displayed incredible bravery in defending their survival, statehood, and territorial integrity, as well as their right to pursue development and determine their own future on the anniversary of Russia’s aggression.
By: Mykola Dzhydzhora
Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Kuwait
Three years ago, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, escalating the armed aggression that began 11 years earlier with the annexation of Crimea and conflicts in Luhansk and Donetsk.
While we desire peace more than anyone, it must be both just and lasting. To achieve this, Ukraine introduced its Peace Formula, rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes territorial integrity and sovereignty. Despite over 200 negotiation rounds and twenty ceasefire agreements since 2014, Russia’s aggression escalated on 24 February, 2022.
Ukraine needs peace through strength to prevent any future aggression. For 11 years, Ukrainians have shown extraordinary courage and heroism—fighting not only for our survival, statehood, and territorial integrity but also for the freedom to pursue our own development and determine Ukraine’s future.
Despite the war, Ukraine remains one of the world’s key contributors to global food security. Today, one hectare of Ukrainian farmland feeds 18 people worldwide for a year. We supply more than 100 countries, providing food to over 400 million people. Ukraine launched the humanitarian food program ‘Grain from Ukraine’, which aims to deliver Ukrainian grain and food to countries in urgent need. Under this initiative, with the financial support of partners, Ukraine has delivered nearly 290,000 tons of agricultural products to 12 African nations, in addition to Yemen, Palestine, and Sudan. This has helped feed over 11 million people.
We seek to support the Syrian people in overcoming the post-war period and ensuring Syria’s food security, considering the dire humanitarian situation in the country. On 27 December, 2024, through the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ program, around 500 tons of wheat flour were sent to Syria.
We have initiated the international humanitarian coalition ‘Food from Ukraine’ to ensure the supply of essential products to Syria, such as cereals, vegetable oil, sugar, and poultry. Ukraine is also firmly committed to ensuring the food security of the Palestinian people by providing additional food supplies to Gaza.
Ukraine has paid a heavy price in this war, but it has never stood alone. Many friendly nations have supported us from day one, welcoming millions of displaced Ukrainians and providing various forms of assistance. For that, Ukraine will always be grateful.
We greatly appreciate the support we have received from Kuwait at the United Nations following Russia’s full-scale invasion—Kuwait’s endorsement of key UN resolutions, its principled stance on recognizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its humanitarian support.
I am pleased to note that last year, trade between Ukraine and Kuwait nearly tripled, reaching $337 million. We are eager to strengthen our bilateral cooperation with Kuwait across all areas.
