When grain routes become targets, the world pays the price

In a world where 645 million people face hunger, the main trade route carrying Ukrainian grain to global markets is being blocked. Attacks on commercial shipping, ports, warehouses and transport infrastructure are choking off Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, the Danube River and overland corridors. The consequences reach far beyond Ukraine, threatening food security across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

This is not simply another criticism of the war. It is about a basic reality: when grain cannot move, supplies fall, prices rise and millions of people struggle to afford food.

The timing could hardly be worse. Ukraine entered its harvest season in August under intensified attacks on ports and transport routes. Its grain exports that month fell by 50% compared with the previous year. By November, more than nine million tonnes of grain, oilseeds and meals could be left without adequate storage.

The damage will not end with this harvest. If farmers cannot sell their grain, they will lack the funds to sow next year’s crops—reducing future supplies and deepening the crisis.

Ukraine’s role in global food security is considerable. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it supplied 15% of global corn exports, 10% of wheat, up to 20% of barley and 50% of the world’s sunflower oil. Another strong harvest is expected this year. But a harvest can feed the world only if it reaches the market.

This is why the EU has been working to keep Ukrainian food moving. Since May 2022, the EU Solidarity Lanes have provided critical alternative export routes. The EU is also supporting additional grain storage, financial solutions for Ukrainian farmers and more efficient cross-border transport. These efforts are helping Ukraine remain connected to global markets, but they cannot replace safe navigation in the Black Sea, which handles most of its agricultural exports.

Russia has sought to blame Ukraine and others for disruptions to global food supplies. Yet it is Russia that is attacking the ships, ports and infrastructure through which Ukrainian food reaches international markets.

An immediate arrangement to allow safe passage of vessels is therefore essential. It would protect civilian vessels, reopen a vital trade route and restore much-needed predictability to global food markets.

Food must not become another weapon of war. Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness for a just and lasting peace, beginning with a full and unconditional ceasefire. The international community must press Russia to accept that ceasefire and negotiate in good faith.

Ending the war would stop the daily suffering of Ukrainians. It would also bring greater food security to millions around the world.