Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has received a consignment of humanitarian food assistance from Russia valued at US$1,5 million to cushion vulnerable communities against the effects of climate change and food insecurity.
The donation, handed over yesterday in Malalume, Matabeleland South, comprises 352 tonnes of yellow split peas and 117 tonnes of vegetable oil enriched with vitamins A and D, under Russia’s contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme .
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Nikolai Krasilnikov said the assistance was meant to support the country’s most vulnerable households as they continue to grapple with climate-induced challenges.
“It is a great honour as well as a pleasure to avail myself of this privilege as the Russian Ambassador to participate in the ceremony of handing over to Zimbabwe the humanitarian supply coming from Russia,” he said.
“It consists of 352 tonnes of yellow split peas and 117 tonnes of vegetable oil enriched with vitamins A and D. This donation by the Russian Federation amounts to US$1,5 million.”
Ambassador Krasilnikov said the aid forms part of Russia’s broader contribution to the UN World Food Programme and is specifically targeted at helping communities affected by climate change.
“Its purpose is to assist the most vulnerable communities to overcome challenges due to climate change,” he said.
The diplomat commended Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, saying the country had made notable strides in protecting its key economic sector.
“We are well aware of the successful efforts that the Government of Zimbabwe has been taking to build up resilience of agriculture – the main sector of the country’s economy,” Ambassador Krasilnikov said.
“At the same time, it is clear that the aftermath of natural disasters can be overcome only by urgent and collective actions at all levels, including the UN bodies, national governments and ordinary farmers.”
Ambassador Krasilnikov said the latest donation follows an earlier consignment delivered in December 2024 to Chivi District in Masvingo Province, where Russia provided 559 tonnes of nutritious pulses and 164 tonnes of cooking oil valued at US$2 million.
The ambassador said the continued support reflects the longstanding ties between Harare and Moscow.
