Attacks on ports and civilian vessels in the Black Sea threaten Ukraine’s grain exports and could cause food prices to rise outside Europe.
Sea-news.az reports, citing foreign media, that this was stated by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during a meeting at the UN headquarters dedicated to freedom of navigation and global food security.
According to her, Ukraine accounts for approximately 10 percent of global wheat exports and 15 percent of corn exports. Around 90 percent of the country’s agricultural exports are carried out via the Black Sea.
K. Kallas called for ensuring the safe passage of civilian vessels and protecting port infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Toiu stated that since the start of the full-scale conflict, approximately 60 million tons of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products have passed through her country’s ports.
She noted that alternative routes passing through Romania cannot fully replace Black Sea shipping.
Highlighting the risks to food markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the minister emphasized: “What is happening in the Black Sea has severe consequences beyond the region.”
