Andriy Yermak, the head of the President’s Office, and his advisor Mykhailo Podolyak have emphasized the urgent need for Ukraine to acquire heavy multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Both officials expressed their views on social media, highlighting the critical nature of these weapons for Ukraine’s defense.

Yermak extended gratitude to the United States for its lend-lease support, underscoring that Ukraine requires weaponry without restrictions. He stated, “We need to receive precision missiles, drones, air defense systems, and ammunition. We are still awaiting MLRS.”

Mykhailo Podolyak stressed the importance of international consensus on supplying Ukraine with MLRS and other arms to unblock the Black Sea. He asserted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are prepared to take necessary actions once equipped.

Podolyak warned that 1.6 billion people might face food shortages due to Ukraine’s significant role in exporting grain, sunflower, and corn. He referenced The Economist’s predictions about the repercussions of Russian aggression and suggested that the world should negotiate with Russia and Ukraine for international convoys of food shipments in the Black Sea.

Podolyak questioned the rationale of negotiating with a nation that holds millions hostage, proposing instead that the world should agree on providing Ukraine with MLRS and other essential heavy weaponry to unblock the Black Sea. He reiterated, “We will handle the rest ourselves.”

Previously, the World Bank announced plans to allocate over $30 billion to prevent a global food crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Canadian government expressed readiness to assist in exporting grain from Ukrainian ports by providing their ships.

Read more at Ukrainska Pravda. Additional reporting: ICTV Facts.