Zelenskyy and Sisi Discuss Russian Threat to Global Food Security in Phone Call

Tragic Loss of Egyptian Citizens

During the call, Zelenskyy specifically raised the issue of Russian strikes on cargo ships, noting that two Egyptian citizens had been killed in these attacks. He conveyed his condolences to President Sisi and the Egyptian people .

Bilateral Trade and Energy Cooperation

The two leaders discussed plans to increase bilateral trade between Ukraine and Egypt and explored opportunities for energy cooperation. While specific details of potential agreements were not disclosed, the discussion signals a mutual interest in strengthening economic ties amid the ongoing conflict .

Middle East Diplomacy and De-escalation

President Sisi emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to end the war and discussed efforts to reduce regional escalation in the Middle East. Egypt expressed its readiness to support a political settlement, reflecting Cairo's role as a key diplomatic actor in the region .

Zelenskyy's Invitation for a Presidential Visit

Zelenskyy extended an invitation for Sisi to visit Ukraine. The two leaders agreed that their teams would follow up on all topics discussed, including food security, trade, energy, and diplomatic coordination .

Broader Context: Egypt's Pivot from Russian-Occupied Grain

Earlier in 2026, during an April phone call, President Sisi informed Zelenskyy that Egypt would no longer accept grain exported by Russia from Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories and expressed interest in increasing grain imports from Ukraine . This decision marked a significant shift for Egypt, historically one of the world's largest wheat importers and a major purchaser of Russian grain . The April call also saw Sisi affirm Egypt's readiness to contribute to achieving a "dignified peace" for Ukraine .

Key Takeaway

The August 2026 phone call was dominated by the threat that Russian strikes on Black Sea shipping pose to global food security, directly affecting Egypt as a top Ukrainian grain buyer. The leaders also discussed expanding bilateral trade and energy ties, with Sisi pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a diplomatic end to the war, and Zelenskyy inviting the Egyptian president to visit Ukraine .