Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine Grain Shipment Ports

Russia's attacks on Ukraine's grain shipment ports have intensified, with over 30 million tons of grain at risk of not being exported to international markets. Taras Vysotskyi, Ukraine's agriculture minister, warns that this will put a significant amount of production beyond export capacity unless the issue is resolved.

The Odessa port hub has been hit by missile and drone attacks, with 35 attacks on vessels in ports and 22 on those at sea in July alone. This has led to shipowners suspending calls at the ports around Odessa and no vessels entering for nearly two weeks as Ukraine's summer harvest season enters full swing.

Vysotskyi stated that direct losses for Ukraine's agricultural sector could reach between $1.5 billion and $3 billion this year, while prices for oilseeds and grains have declined by 30 per cent on average. The minister emphasized the need for allies to help ensure security in the Black Sea, as only a strong Ukrainian military can make exports function.

The alternative routes being tested are via the Danube River, rail, and road freight, but these would only handle 50-55% of Black Sea ports' monthly capacity. Vysotskyi said it would take at least until the end of August to get these routes to a stable operational level.