Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s main inland port on the Danube River, causing a surge in global food prices and further escalating the conflict. The attack damaged a grain silo in the port of Izmail, which is a crucial route for Ukraine’s grain exports. The Ukrainian defense ministry expressed concern about the impact on global food security, highlighting the potential of Ukrainian grain to feed millions of people worldwide.
Videos released by Ukrainian authorities showed the extent of the damage, with large buildings in ruins and grain spilled out of wrecked silos. Despite the destruction, there were no reported casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing the repeated targeting of ports and grain by Russian terrorists in the south of the country.
The attack had immediate repercussions on the market, with Chicago wheat prices jumping four percent. Traders are concerned about the potential disruption to global supplies caused by Russia’s actions. Russia has been targeting Ukrainian agricultural and port infrastructure for the past two weeks and has refused to extend an agreement that lifted its blockade of Ukrainian ports last year.
President Vladimir Putin spoke with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the sponsor of a grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine, reiterating Russia’s condition for rejoining the deal. The Kremlin wants improved terms for its own food and fertilizer exports. Moscow has described its attacks as retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a bridge to Crimea, which supplies Russian troops in southern Ukraine.
The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, strongly condemned Russia’s actions, highlighting the targets they have hit, including homes, ports, grain silos, and historic buildings. She emphasized the disregard for civilian safety and the impact on global food supply.
Ukraine believes that Russia’s goal with these attacks is to reimpose its blockade by convincing shippers and insurance companies that Ukrainian ports are unsafe. The military spokesperson in southern Ukraine stressed that the enemy is trying to convince the international community that navigating towards Ukrainian-controlled ports is dangerous.
The collapse of the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine has already had significant consequences. Ukrainian producers are feeling the impact, with one farmer unable to deliver 700 tons of contracted barley. The Danube river ports accounted for a significant portion of Ukraine’s grain exports before the withdrawal of Russia from the Black Sea deal. Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia has targeted 26 port facilities, five civilian vessels, and 180,000 tons of grain in just nine days.
The United Nations has warned of a potential food crisis and hunger in impoverished countries due to Russia’s decision to abandon the grain deal. Moscow has indicated that it will treat ships heading to Ukrainian seaports as potential military targets, further heightening tensions in the region. Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains hopeful that ships will continue to navigate towards its ports.
Overall, Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure pose a significant threat to global food security and have disrupted the country’s agricultural exports. The international community must take action to address this escalating conflict and protect Ukraine’s vital resources.
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