Zelensky: Talks with Russia possible only after troop withdrawal

MOSCOW. June 19 (Interfax) - Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia could begin only after Russia withdraws its troops, Ukrainian media quoted President Vladimir Zelensky as saying at a press conference in Kiev on Friday, following negotiations with a delegation of leaders from a number of African Union countries.

After visiting Kiev, the delegation, which is seeking to contribute to putting an end to the crisis, traveled to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky said he also "informed the meeting participants of the results of efforts being made under two export initiatives, the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Grain from Ukraine Humanitarian Initiative.

"We are practically helping the world, namely the peoples of Africa, Asia, and Europe, to maintain social stability and price predictability on the food market owing to our exports. We're working together with our partners on grain hubs in Africa," he said.

"Food supply should be guaranteed reliably. I invited the meeting participants to share their vision of how we could do more together to promote food security and set up grain hubs," Zelensky said.

He also said "Ukraine is prepared to significantly expand education programs for students from African countries."