KYIV: Ukraine, a global producer and exporter of grain and oilseeds, has sent its first batch of food aid to Syria, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday.
Zelensky said that 500 metric tons of wheat flour were already on their way to Syria as part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme.
“The wheat flour is planned to be distributed to 33,250 families or 167,000 people, in the coming weeks,” Zelensky said on X, adding: “Each package weighs 15 kilograms and can feed a family of five for one month.”
After the ouster of Bashar Assad, a close Russian ally, Ukraine has said it wants to restore relations with Syria.
Kyiv traditionally exports wheat and corn to countries in the Middle East, but not to Syria.
During Assad’s era, Syria imported food from Russia. But Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended because of uncertainty, Russian and Syrian sources said earlier this month.
Ukraine’s exports were disrupted by Russia’s February 2022 invasion, which severely reduced shipments via the Black Sea. Ukraine has since broken a de facto sea blockade and revived exports from its southern port of Odesa.
Ukraine sends food aid to Syria, says Zelensky
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Ukraine sends food aid to Syria, says Zelensky
About 140 US military personnel wounded in Iran war: Pentagon
- “The vast majority of these injuries have been minor,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said
- Seven US military personnel were also killed in Iranian attacks early in the conflict
WASHINGTON: About 140 US military personnel have been wounded in attacks since the start of the war against Iran, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
“The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
“Eight service members remain listed as severely injured and are receiving the highest level of medical care,” he added.
Seven US military personnel were also killed in Iranian attacks early in the conflict — six in Kuwait and one in Saudi Arabia — the US military has previously said.
US and Israeli forces launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28, and Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting countries in the region that host US forces or bases.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said earlier Tuesday that US strikes against Iran were intensifying, while the volume of drones and missiles launched by Iran has dramatically decreased.
