The article by Mr. Ruslan Nimchynskyi, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus
The ongoing Russia’s war against Ukraine has had profound implications for both the Ukrainian economy and global food security, particularly affecting developing nations.
The Russian military systematically targets Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure, including ports, grain silos, and transport networks. Since the onset of the war, over 105 port facilities have been damaged due to Russian attacks, severely disrupting grain exports.
The ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi, which were crucial for Ukrainian exports, have faced significant operational challenges since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023.
Russia’s blockade of Black Sea ports has drastically reduced Ukraine’s ability to export grain. Before the war, approximately 90% of Ukraine’s grain was exported via these maritime routes. The blockade led to a near-total halt in grain exports during the early months of the invasion, causing global food prices to surge.
Although alternative routes have been established since August 2023, they are still vulnerable to Russian attacks and logistical challenges.
The ongoing Russian war against Ukraine has exacerbated global food insecurity by driving up prices for essential commodities.
Developing nations that rely heavily on Ukrainian grain imports have been particularly affected.
The war has impacted immediate exports and poses long-term challenges for Ukrainian agriculture. With significant areas left unplanted due to conflict and infrastructure damage, future harvests are likely to be adversely affected. This situation threatens not only Ukraine’s economy but also global food security as countries struggle to meet their food needs amid rising prices and reduced availability
Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has led to extensive damage to the country’s agricultural sector while significantly impacting global food security. The blockade of trade routes and destruction of agricultural infrastructure have created a precarious situation for both Ukraine and nations that depend on its agricultural exports.
Ukraine has adapted to the challenges posed by the Russian blockade of its Black Sea ports by establishing several alternative routes for exporting its agricultural products.
Reni, Izmail, and Kiliia are the primary ports on the Danube that have seen a significant increase in activity. Departures from these ports have quadrupled compared to previous years, facilitating a substantial volume of grain exports despite ongoing challenges.
Ukraine has been utilizing rail and road transport to move grain to neighbouring countries such as Poland and Romania. From there, the grain is shipped to international markets, primarily through the Romanian port of Constanta.
While these routes are operational, they face bottlenecks due to logistical complexities and restrictions imposed by neighbouring countries, which have sometimes limited the flow of Ukrainian grain into their markets.
In August 2023, Ukraine established a new «temporary export corridor» along the western coastline of the Black Sea, which is deemed relatively safe from Russian naval threats due to its shallow waters. This corridor allows ships to travel through Romanian and Bulgarian territorial waters, facilitating continued agricultural exports despite the blockade.
The establishment of these routes has been crucial in maintaining Ukraine’s position as a major global grain supplier amidst ongoing military challenges.
Moreover, Ukraine as a responsible international player initiated the humanitarian initiative «Grain from Ukraine,» aimed at strengthening the Global Food security.
This initiative operates in collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations World Food Programme, and facilitates the delivery of Ukrainian grain to countries most affected by food crises. Over the past year, Ukraine has shipped substantial quantities of grain to nations such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen, directly supporting millions of people.
The initiative addresses two critical issues. First, it helps alleviate hunger in vulnerable regions like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen, where millions face famine-like conditions. Second, it reinforces Ukraine’s commitment to global stability despite the ongoing conflict. It shows that Ukraine is not only defending its sovereignty but also upholding its responsibility as a key player in global food security.
Many countries and international organizations have provided financial and logistical support to help sustain this effort.
The initiative has received widespread support from many parts of the world. It`s seen as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating how international solidarity can address global challenges. Over 20 states and the European Union have financially contributed to the initiative, and more countries are willing to join. The support has been instrumental in ensuring that the grain reaches those who need it the most.
Since its launch, the «Grain from Ukraine» initiative has successfully delivered over 170,000 tons of grain to countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen. This has been crucial in alleviating food shortages and preventing famine in these regions.
Overall, in 2023-2024, Ukraine exported 69.86 million tons of grain, oilseeds and oil. In particular, the country managed to increase wheat exports to Africa by 41% and sunflower oil exports by 153%.
Ukraine’s ability to maintain agricultural exports and spearhead humanitarian initiatives amidst a brutal conflict exemplifies resilience and international cooperation. By ensuring the delivery of vital sustenance to regions on the brink of famine, Ukraine has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against global food insecurity.
As the world grapples with the compounded effects of geopolitical conflicts and economic instability, Ukraine’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and innovation in addressing shared global challenges.