HH and Zelenskyy Discuss ‘Grain Deal’ and Peace Formula

The Presidents of Zambia and Ukraine, Hakainde Hichilema and Volodymyr Zelenskyy respectively, have held talks on the possibility of a ‘grain deal’ and both nations’ expectations for the Global Peace Summit scheduled for this autumn.

President Zelenskyy announced that the talks had taken place via X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, “Negotiations with the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema. Formula for Peace and Restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative”.

Both leaders agreed that the weaponisation of grain was unacceptable. Russia terminated their involvement in the UN-approved Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, and has since bombed Ukrainian stores of grain, much of which was destined for developing nations using Ukraine’s grain to supplement their own harvests.

An estimated 47 million people suffered from severe hunger in 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacted food security worldwide when 20 million tonnes of grain were unable to leave the Ukrainian port city of Odessa. Ukraine is among the world’s leading grain exporters; according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the nation exports more than 45 million tonnes annually to the global market.

President Zelenskyy invited HH and a Zambian entourage to attend preparations for the Global Peace Summit, and to feature in the next preparatory meeting as advisors.

The coming advisory meetings will form part of the timeline towards the Global Peace Summit’s aim for international commitment to the clauses of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The second meeting in the timeline was hosted by Saudi Arabia, taking place in capital Jeddah on August 5-6.

The Peace Formula, to be presented at the Global Peace Summit in its final form, has a number of goals. One facet of the Formula is guaranteed security of the world’s food and energy, nuclear power and measures against radiation.

Clauses in the Peace Formula applying to Russia’s invasion include the release of all Ukrainian prisoners and deportees, global support for restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity as qualified by the UN Charter, and the withdrawal of Russia’s troops from Ukrainian soil. Beyond the end of Russia’s invasion are commitments to ending hostilities, restoring justice, fighting ecocide and ensuring the war cannot, and will not, resume.