According to the diplomat, Russia is the largest donor of the WFP in Kyrgyzstan. Russian funding covers approximately 48 percent of the programme’s strategic plan for the republic. Sergei Vakunov noted that since the start of WFP operations in Kyrgyzstan in 2008, Russia has provided over $122 million in food aid to the country. These funds support approximately 100,000 people annually.

Under the programme, food aid is provided to citizens in exchange for participation in community service projects, such as landscaping, improving water supplies, cleaning irrigation canals, and constructing mudflow protection structures.

The ambassador stated that Russia intends to continue its participation in WFP programmes and continue to provide assistance to Kyrgyzstan.