Black Sea Conflict Halted Grain Exports Amid Global Food Security Threat

A naval conflict in the Black Sea has escalated dramatically, threatening global food security as shipping operations to Ukrainian ports have ground to a halt.

The conflict started when Ukraine began targeting ships heading to Russian-controlled ports in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea with drone forces, initially attacking oil tankers from Russia's 'shadow fleet'.

According to Ukrainian figures, 196 ships and watercraft have been damaged, 126 in the Sea of Azov and 70 in the Black Sea. The campaign also aims to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian-annexed Crimea.

The blockade could significantly drive up grain prices worldwide as Ukraine and Russia together account for 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and about 11 percent of corn exports.