Russia’s War on Ukrainian Trade Is a War on Global Food Security

Russia is systematically strangling Ukraine’s ability to feed the world. By targeting ports, shipping lanes, and agricultural infrastructure, it is not just waging war on Ukraine—it is weaponising hunger against millions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In a world where 7.8 percent of the global population faces hunger, the main trade route bringing Ukrainian grain to the global markets is blocked. Russia is choking off Ukraine’s options for transport of grain across the Black Sea, the Danube River and overland corridors. Its deliberate attacks on commercial shipping, ports, inland logistics, warehouses and agricultural infrastructure are striking at Ukraine’s ability to trade with the world, threatening the food security of millions of people across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine supplied 15% of the world’s corn, 10% of its wheat, and 50% of its sunflower oil. Now, as Ukraine enters its harvest season, Russia’s attacks have halved grain exports compared to last year, driving up global food prices. By October, Ukraine may run out of storage—leaving over 9 million tonnes of grain to rot while farmers lack the funds to plant next year’s crops. If this harvest is lost, the ripple effects will affect food supplies well into 2027.

The consequences extend far beyond Ukraine. Disruptions to trade, energy, and fertiliser markets—compounded by crises like the Middle East conflict—are pushing fragile economies to the brink. Millions who can least afford it will face soaring food prices and shortages.

This is no accident. Russia has repeatedly used food as a weapon, from blockading Black Sea ports to bombing inland logistics. The Black Sea alone handles 90% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports—and without safe passage, the world’s most vulnerable will pay the price.  The continued blockage of the Black Sea by Russia will affect global food markets, drive up food prices in many countries and make life harder for millions of people.  As Ukraine entered its harvest season in August, attacks on ports and transport routes trapped grain, oilseeds and other agricultural products inside the country. In August, grain exports were cut by half compared to the previous year. International prices have already risen as a result of the attacks.  The problem might become even more acute in the coming months. By October, Ukraine risks running out of storage capacity. By November, more than 9 million tonnes of grain, oilseeds and meals could remain outside available storage. A harvest that contributes to feeding global markets could instead be left stranded. And if grain remains unsold this season, farmers will lack the cash needed for the next sowing campaign, reducing next year’s supply and further compounding the crisis. That matters in a world where an estimated 645 million people face hunger. Disruptions to maritime routes, energy markets, trade flows and humanitarian logistics can reverberate far beyond the immediate conflict zone as the concurrent crisis in the Middle East demonstrates. The most vulnerable countries and communities are the least able to absorb another shock to food prices and supplies.

Ukraine has traditionally been a major supplier to countries in North Africa and the Middle East. A strong harvest is again expected this year, with higher yields than in 2025. But a harvest contributes to global food security only if it can reach those who need it.

The Solidarity Lanes of the European Union have provided critical alternative routes, but Ukraine also needs safe and reliable access to Black Sea ports. The European Union current focus is also on providing additional grain storage, developing financial solutions for Ukrainian farmers and coordinating cross-border transport to make the Solidarity Lanes as efficient as possible. But these measures can only mitigate the consequences. They cannot substitute for safe navigation in the Black Sea.  The international community cannot accept a situation where Ukrainians continue to suffer and in which millions of people far from the battlefield also pay the price. That is why the EU is also stepping up practical support. Since May 2022, the EU Solidarity Lanes have become critical to Ukraine’s economic resilience and to provide an important alternative route for Ukrainian grain exports. The EU’s current focus is also on providing additional grain storage, developing financial solutions for Ukrainian farmers and coordinating cross-border transport to make the Solidarity Lanes as efficient as possible. But these measures can only mitigate the consequences. They cannot substitute for safe navigation in the Black Sea, which handles 90% of Ukrainian agricultural exports.

The international community should not allow access to food to become another weapon of war. Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness for a just and lasting peace, beginning with a full and unconditional ceasefire. Since March 2025, Ukraine has sought such a ceasefire, while Russia has declined to accept any offer and continues its aggression through escalations.

Only a ceasefire and safe Black Sea navigation can avert a further worsening of the situation.  Access to food must never be a weapon. 

The international community must demand:

1. An immediate moratorium on strikes against grain infrastructure, ports, and shipping.

2. Safe passage for commercial vessels to restore Black Sea trade.

3. A full and unconditional ceasefire leading to just and lasting peace.

A ceasefire leading to peace is needed to end the daily suffering of Ukrainians, and it is in the interest of everyone who depends on a stable, open and predictable global food system. If Russia ends its war and stops the killing, people around the world stand to benefit, starting with greater food security. Let us help make peace a reality in Ukraine by increasing pressure on Russia to negotiate and bring the war to an end.

An article by the European External Action Service