"Today we remember the victims of the Holodomor – the man-made famine orchestrated by [Soviet dictator Joseph] Stalin, which led to the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. These events will forever remain a dark chapter in human history. The Holodomor is a tragedy not only because of the starvation but also because it was a calculated measure aimed at breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people," she stated.
The ambassador emphasized that currently, "Russia is once again using food as a weapon and a tool of power and coercion."
"Russian troops have destroyed agricultural infrastructure, stolen Ukrainian grain, and blocked and attacked Ukraine's Black Sea ports. All of this is part of Russia's attempts to dismantle Ukraine's economy. However, such strikes also affect countries and people around the world who depend on Ukrainian grain," Brink noted.
She highlighted that the United States remembers the millions of Ukrainians who perished during the Holodomor.
"Today we honor the heroes who are fighting to preserve the economy and the people of Ukraine. Currently, the Russian authorities are threatening global freedom, openness, and peace," Brink declared.
On the Day of Remembrance for the victims of famines, we honor the memory of millions of lives lost due to the famine organized by Stalin in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/i07z9avsF5
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) November 23, 2024