Key facts
- Russia's attacks on Ukraine's trade routes threaten global food security.
- Disruptions to Ukrainian grain exports are driving up international food prices.
- Ukraine provided 15% of the world's corn exports, 10% of wheat, and 15-20% of barley before the full-scale invasion.
- In August, Ukraine's grain exports were cut by half compared to the previous year.
- By November, Ukraine risks running out of storage capacity for its harvest, potentially leaving over 9 million tons of grain, oilseeds and meals stranded.
Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine is severely impacting global food security by targeting crucial trade routes and agricultural infrastructure, according to an op-ed by Ugo Astuto, the EU Ambassador to South Korea. Astuto stated that Russia's deliberate attacks on Black Sea shipping, ports, and overland corridors are choking off Ukraine's ability to export grain, threatening millions worldwide, particularly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The blockade of the Black Sea is expected to drive up food prices globally. The timing is particularly critical as Ukraine enters its harvest season, with attacks trapping grain and other agricultural products. In August, grain exports were halved compared to the previous year, and international prices have already risen as a consequence. By October, Ukraine risks running out of storage capacity, potentially leaving over 9 million tons of grain and oilseeds stranded. This situation could also impact future harvests, as farmers may lack the funds for the next sowing campaign.
Astuto highlighted that Ukraine is a significant contributor to global food markets, providing substantial percentages of the world's corn, wheat, barley, and sunflower oil exports before the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The EU is implementing measures like the "Solidarity Lanes" to create alternative export routes and is focusing on providing additional grain storage and financial solutions for Ukrainian farmers. However, Astuto emphasized that these measures can only mitigate the consequences and cannot replace safe navigation in the Black Sea, which handles 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports.
Astuto called for a moratorium on attacks against grain export facilities, infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea, as well as international pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire and enter peace negotiations. He stressed that access to food should not be used as a weapon of war and reiterated Ukraine's readiness for a just and lasting peace, beginning with a full and unconditional ceasefire.