Ukraine to Aid Farmers Hit by Russian Attacks on Shipping Facilities

Ukraine is set to provide assistance to farmers hit by Russian attacks on shipping and port facilities, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The measures include subsidized credits and other financial assistance for farmers affected by the strikes.

Zelenskiy announced the plans in a nightly video address on Thursday, stating that they would begin to be implemented in the coming days. The attacks have damaged shipping and ports in the Black Sea area, causing disruptions to grain exports from Ukraine and Russia.

Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, while Ukraine is also a major agricultural exporter. The conflict has led to steep increases in global food prices, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warning that Russian attacks could have severe consequences for the world.

Ukraine had established a Black Sea corridor for safe passage of shipping, but ships have recently come under attack in the area. The Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi said alternative grain export routes would reach required capacity at the end of August, covering only half of volumes handled by Black Sea ports disrupted by Russian attacks.