LONDON: Extending humanitarian help to the war-ravaged Ukraine where millions of civilians are acutely facing a food shortage, the United Kingdom has announced to supply essential food items worth 2 million pounds to Ukraine.

Informing this, Foreign Ministry said that the decision has been following the reports of the people of Ukraine in dire need of food as they are running out of essential supplies due to war.

“ We are ready to supply £2 million worth of food to Ukraine which is witnessing large-scale devastation after Russia declared war on Ukraine over a month ago. The food will be given primarily for areas of Ukraine which have been surrounded by Russian forces”, said  Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in a statement.

The UK government believes that over 12 million people in Ukraine need immediate humanitarian aid . The Ministry however feels that the number of people who need food may be more than their rough estimation.

The statement said that the UK has held talks with Poland and Slovakia who have agreed to offer their warehouses to store the materials. The supply from these warehouses will commence early next week to Ukraine.

The reports claimed from the warehouses, the food will be carried in over 25 trucks and also in trains which will be transported to the local Ukrainian communities in greatest need.

The statement said that efforts will be made to ensure that the food reaches as many people as possible in various cities of Ukraine which are witnessing shelling.

It may be noted that after the war broke out on February 24, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. With bombing taking place on civilian areas and roads leading the residential colonies being damaged or controlled by Russian forces, the people are unable to get good supplies.

In response to Russia's operation, Western countries have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow