Ukraine Warns of Grain Losses as Russia Rejects Ceasefire
Ukraine Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi warns that grain exports remain critical after Russia rejected proposals to establish a Black Sea corridor.
Ukraine expects no ceasefire for Black Sea grain exports in the coming months as Russia continues to reject proposals to establish a grain corridor. Taras Vysotskyi, the Ukraine Agriculture Minister, reported that the situation remains critical due to Russian strikes on port facilities, which severely limit the export of products vital to global supplies.
While Ukraine has increased exports via alternative routes to 45% of its needs, officials warn that these routes can only handle a maximum of 50%. This limitation risks the loss of 30 million tons of agricultural commodities this marketing year. Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that while proposals remain on the table, Russia's response depends on its own interests and retaliatory strikes against Ukraine.
To sustain its agricultural sector amid these losses, Ukraine secured a US$250 million low-interest loan from the World Bank. This funding follows a decision by the European Commission to deny a €220 million aid request for Ukrainian farmers. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine continues to seek a de-escalation of attacks and increased EU tariff-free quotas for exports.
