“Food security is one of the areas where diplomacy can begin to work before the war ends,” said Minister Macinka on the sidelines of UNGA
28.09.2026 / 17:26 | Aktualizováno: 30.09.2026 / 17:30
New York, September 22, 2026
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
When we speak about the war in Ukraine, we often speak about frontlines, missiles and territory. Today, however, I would like to speak about something much more ordinary.
The price of bread.
For millions of people far beyond Europe, the consequences of this war are not measured in kilometres from Kyiv or Odesa. They are measured in food prices, in availability, and in uncertainty over whether supplies will reach those who need them.
This reminds us of one important fact: the Black Sea is not just a regional sea. It is one of the arteries of global trade.
When ports, grain terminals or commercial vessels are attacked, the consequences do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. They travel through global markets – and eventually reach households in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
Ukraine is, of course, paying the highest price for this war. But it is not paying it alone.
Whenever I talk to my partners from developing countries here in New York, they confirm the magnitude of the problem.
We are by no means indifferent to their concern. At the same time, I hope to hear their voices here at UNGA and elsewhere calling strongly to end the attacks on commercial shipping.
Russia bears responsibility for the war it started, and for its attacks on Ukrainian export infrastructure.
It is therefore in the interest of the entire international community that Russia engage seriously to end the war.
But today, I do not want to stop at the question of responsibility.
We should also talk about what can be done.
We have a precedent.
In 2022, with the help of the United Nations and Türkiye, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was established. In the middle of a war, we managed to create space for trade and bring Ukrainian food back to global markets.
The initiative showed us that even during a war, limited and practical agreements are possible when there is a strong enough common interest.
We should try again. Several countries I met here shared with me the efforts they are undertaking. I support every practical proposal in this direction.
Such a renewed agreement would not end the war.
But it could protect civilians, stabilise trade and ease pressure on food prices. And perhaps it could also demonstrate that diplomacy is still capable of delivering concrete results.
The Black Sea must remain a route for trade, not a theatre for attacks on civilian shipping and the global food supply chain.
Food security can be one of the areas where diplomacy begins to work before the war ends.
If there is one place where practical diplomacy can begin, let it be here.