Mr. Oleksandr Merezhko:

Another option, which may be complementary or additional, is to transport grain using railroads, for instance. However, we should be very careful about that approach because Russia is deliberately targeting our civilian infrastructure. That might create problems. We should do everything we can because it is a matter of the food security of the whole world. This crime does not have a name but it is considered to be a serious war crime.

Russia has done this before in the history of Ukraine. There was the Holodomor of the 1930s - the great famine in Ukraine. Ireland understands well the meaning of a great famine. Russia has already used these tactics to stifle any opposition in Ukraine and to destroy the Ukrainian population. Russia is continuing to do it. It is stealing our grain in the occupied territories. It is trying to sell in the market this stolen Ukrainian grain. It is trying to create another great famine for Ukraine and for the whole world. That is why we see the continuous pattern of Russian criminal behaviour against Ukraine and the whole world. Russia's criminal pattern continues.

What might the situation be in two or three months? The next weeks and months might be crucial. It is difficult for our army to hold out and to continue to defend us because it is hair-raising. It has been truly heroic defence. Of course, it is difficult to keep defending when there are casualties and brutal shelling, and when your enemy has superiority in its heavy weaponry and number of personnel. The committee can imagine how difficult it is. We count on our resistance every day, and every day is an heroic day for Ukrainians. I am sure that Russians will never be able to occupy most of the territory of Ukraine for a very simple reason, that is, we are defending our homes and families. We have no choice. Surrender is not an option for us. We should defend no matter what, and we are doing so. However, it is difficult and without the support of the civilised democratic world, it will be very difficult.

I hope that in two months' time Russia will be exhausted. We can already see certain signs of that. It has defaulted on its debt, for example. If we get what we were promised in heavy weaponry, the situation might change crucially. In some areas, despite the preponderance of the Russian military, our army continues to find success in counterattacks and counteroffensives against Russian troops and is liberating our territory. Of course, the committee will understand that to fight against an enemy that has such a preponderance of military personnel is extremely difficult. That is why it is difficult for me to foresee what the situation will be in two months.

I am certain of one thing, which is, we will never surrender. Russia will not be able to take over big Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Odessa and Kyiv. The Russians were defeated in Kyiv and Kharkiv. These cities are like bastions. They will never be taken or occupied by Russia. At the same time, the situation is very dangerous. We keep fighting. I am sure that, strategically, Putin has already lost. It is a matter of time until Ukraine will emerge victorious but to do that and to save lives, we need help.