Ukrainian ambassador asks Norwegian companies to send food – NRK Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
– It is most urgently necessary to reach.
This is what the Ukrainian ambassador to Norway, Viacheslav Yatsiuk, says.
NRK meets him in the office at the Ukrainian embassy in Oslo.
In an interview with NRK, the ambassador reiterates Ukraine’s desire to get more weapons to Ukraine.
But he also comes up with another request: More food for war-torn Ukrainians.
Millions of people are on the run. Ukraine, also described as Europe’s granary, is in the middle of a war after Russia invades the country.
“Our food supplies are being destroyed due to the brutal aggression,” said Yatsiuk.
Asks for help from Norwegian companies
Last week, dairy producer Tine sent 40,000 liters of milk to Ukraine following a request from the Ukrainian embassy.
Yatsiuk is very happy for the help from Tine.
– It is an important example to follow. I want other Norwegian companies to follow suit.
The ambassador asks Norwegian food producers to send with as much pre-packaged as possible, if they have the opportunity to do so.
This way it can be delivered straight out to those who need something to eat.
Yatsiuk says that the ideal is set on having durability, so it does not expire after a few days.
– But we do not expect the impossible. All help comes in handy. It is easier for large companies to make more concrete contributions, says Yatsiuk.
The government gives money for food
The government has previously decided to contribute billions of kroner to Ukraine and neighboring countries.
To date, around 1.3 billion of the two billion have been paid out, of which NOK 350 million goes to the Red Cross.
Now the government has decided how the remaining money will be distributed.
– Ukrainian authorities requested food aid directly to the Norwegian authorities. Addressing food supply challenges in Ukraine is very important. That is why we choose to support the World Food Program (WPF) with NOK 215 million, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Labor Party) in a press release.
In addition, NOK 265 million will go to the EU’s Civil Contingency Mechanism (UCPM), NOK 100 million will go to Norwegian humanitarian organizations, while NOK 178 million will go to reserves.
Grateful for support
The ambassador reports that he is very grateful for the help Norway has given to Ukraine after Russia invades the country.
They also receive support in other ways. Almost every day, the embassy receives child drawings and letters, the ambassador tells NRK.
– How does it feel to have such drawings sent to the embassy?
– It is very touching. Both for me and the Ukrainians, says the ambassador from the war-torn country to NRK.