Kyiv4 minutes ago
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The Black Sea is now becoming the biggest conflict zone in the Russia-Ukraine war. In the last one and a half month, both the countries have targeted more than 300 ships. These include grain ships, oil tankers and other cargo vessels.
The continued attacks are putting pressure on global food supplies and sending prices of essential crops like wheat and corn rising.
Russia and Ukraine account for about 30% of the world’s total wheat exports. Most of the grain from these two countries reaches different countries of the world through the Black Sea.
But due to increasing attacks on ports and ships, maritime trade is being affected. Ship owners are avoiding this route and the cost of freight has also increased rapidly.
impact on grain exports
Ukraine was able to export only a limited part of its capacity last month. At the same time, Russia’s grain exports have also decreased rapidly compared to last year.
Grain is available in the warehouses of both the countries, but there are difficulties in delivering it to the buying countries and its effect is visible in the international market as well.
Road and rail routes became options
Ukraine is trying to export grain through road and rail networks after sea routes were disrupted. However, the capacity of these routes is not as much as that of the Black Sea ports.
A limited quantity of grain is also being sent through the Danube river, but due to the water level and transportation capacity, this option is not considered sufficient.
Crisis on supply of maize
The increasing tension in the Black Sea may affect not only wheat but also maize.
In 2025-26, Ukraine exported 23 million tonnes of maize, which was about 12% of the world’s total maize exports. If the current situation continues, the global supply of maize may also be affected.
71% decline in Russia’s grain exports
The increasing attacks in the Black Sea have also affected Russia’s grain business. Russia’s total grain exports in August declined to 1.7 million tonnes from 5.9 million tonnes last year, a decline of about 71%.
Wheat export declined from 50 lakh tonnes to 13 lakh tonnes. The number of countries buying Russian wheat has dropped from 43 to 16, while ports shipping the grain have dropped from 47 to just 10.
Shipments from Novorossiysk, Russia’s largest port, also declined from 24.9 lakh tonnes to 10.4 lakh tonnes.
Important route of Black Sea grain trade
The Black Sea is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Most of the wheat, corn and sunflower oil exported from Russia and Ukraine passes through this route.
The two countries together account for about 30% of global wheat exports, so any military tensions in the region directly impact the food market.
A sharp rise in food prices was observed around the world when grain exports via the Black Sea were disrupted following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Later, with the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey, the Black Sea Grain Deal was implemented, which allowed millions of tons of grain to reach the international market.
Now once again the increase in attacks on ships and ports in the Black Sea has increased concerns about the global food supply. Experts believe that if this sea route remains affected for a long time, a new increase in the prices of wheat, maize and edible oil may be seen.
Air attacks intensified from both sides
Meanwhile, air strikes between Russia and Ukraine have also intensified. Russia fired 174 drones and 4 missiles at Ukraine on Wednesday.
Many structures, including residential buildings, were damaged in Kiev and Odessa and at least 8 people were injured. Russia claims that it has shot down 130 Ukrainian drones.
Two people have been reported killed and 16 injured in Ukrainian attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region.
The news is updating…
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