Ukrainian Drone Attacks Threaten Global Food Security
Russia's main grain lobby group has warned that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports in the Black Sea could shut down grain exports in the near future. The attacks have already been ongoing for weeks, with both Russia and Ukraine targeting each other's agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels.
The Union of Grain Exporters and Producers said that systematic attacks since July could lead to a complete blockage of export corridors in the Black Sea basin. This would result in a significant shortfall in Russian wheat exports to other countries, potentially reaching 30-35 million metric tons, accounting for around 15% of total global wheat trade.
The group stated that it would not be possible to cover this shortage by increasing exports from alternative countries. Disruptions to shipping in the Black Sea caused by Ukrainian attacks on dry cargo vessels and port infrastructure pose a direct threat to global food security, according to the union.