Ukraine's Black Sea Attacks Threaten Global Food Security

Russia's main grain lobby group has sounded the alarm over Ukraine's attacks on Russian ships and ports in the Black Sea, warning that it could lead to a shutdown of grain exports and global food security issues.

The Union of Grain Exporters and Producers warned that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports are causing disruptions to shipping in the Black Sea, which poses a direct threat to global food security. They predict that a physical shortage of grain will trigger a protracted global crisis if current negative factors persist.

The shortfall in supply of Russian wheat to other countries this season could reach 30-35 million metric tons, accounting for around 15% of total global wheat trade, the union predicted. This would not be possible to cover by increasing exports from alternative countries.

Wheat prices have already risen due to concerns over supplies from the Black Sea area, where Russia and Ukraine have been attacking each other's agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in recent weeks.