Russian Attacks Stifle Ukraine's Grain Exports Amid War

Russian attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea ports have nearly halted grain exports, threatening farmers' incomes and the country's foreign currency earnings.

Ukraine is one of the world's largest producers of wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds, with about 90% of its traditional export volume shipped through the Black Sea. The blockade has left farmers like Serhiy Rybalko facing a cash crunch as they struggle to finance the next planting season.

Rybalko lost two-thirds of his land after Russia occupied southern Ukraine in 2022 and now faces financial difficulties due to the port blockades. He estimates that his farm needs around $447,074 each month during the harvest to service debts, pay wages, and buy fuel.