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Op-ed: Russia’s Blockade of Ukrainian Trade increases Food prices

05.10.2026
Ashgabat
Press & Information Section of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan

Co-signed by the Ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Romania and Ukraine to Turkmenistan 

Russia is systematically obstructing Ukraine’s ability to feed the world. By targeting agricultural infrastructure, ports and shipping lanes, it makes it difficult if not impossible for food to reach those in need, while making food extremely expensive for all. 

Before 2022, Ukraine supplied 50% of the world’s sunflower oil, 15% of its corn, and 10% of its wheat. Now, as Ukraine enters its harvest season, Russia’s attacks have halved grain exports (compared to last year), driving up global food prices. By November, 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 different countries’ economies to the brink. Millions who can least afford it will face soaring food prices and shortages.

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 EU’s Solidarity Lanes have provided critical alternative routes, but Ukraine also needs safe and reliable access to Black Sea ports. 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.

Only a ceasefire and safe Black Sea navigation, as per international law (United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Seas – UNCLOS) can avert a further worsening of the situation. 

We believe that free Black Sea navigation is also important for Turkmenistan, the EU’s key partner alongside the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor.

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.

Let us help make peace a reality in Ukraine and bring the war to an end.