Russia's aggressive assault on Ukrainian grain exports triggers global food price spike
In a shocking act of force, Russia attacked Ukraine's main inland port across the Danube River, causing major disruptions to grain exports and triggering a spike in global food prices.
As Reuters reports, the attacks targeted the port of Izmail, causing the destruction of key infrastructure and the abrupt disruption of ships preparing to load Ukrainian grain. These actions challenge the de facto blockade that Russia re-established in mid-July.
The intensity of the conflict became clear when commercial vessel monitoring data revealed that dozens of international vessels suspended their voyages and anchored at the mouth of the Danube. This appeared to be part of a concerted effort to break the Russian blockade by trying to reach Izmail from the Black Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in response to the attacks, denounced the actions as the work of 'Russian terrorists' and expressed concern about the impact on global food security.
The repercussions of the attacks were soon felt in the financial markets, with wheat prices in Chicago soaring by almost 5 per cent. Concerns about possible global supply disruptions, with Ukraine being one of the world's largest grain exporters, pushed prices up to $6.60 a bushel by 11:19 GMT.
The attacks are part of a two-week onslaught by Russia that has targeted Ukrainian agricultural and port infrastructure. The situation escalated after Russia refused to extend an agreement that had previously lifted its wartime blockade of Ukrainian ports.
Communications with Ukraine
Amid worsening tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the sponsor of the grain export deal. Putin reiterated Russia's condition for rejoining the deal, demanding the implementation of a side agreement to improve conditions for food and fertiliser exports, which are currently exempt from sanctions.
As reported by Asharq, Moscow justified its attacks as retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a bridge used by Russia to transport supplies to its forces in southern Ukraine. In response, US Ambassador to Ukraine Brigitte Brink compiled a list of recent Russian targets, including residential areas, ports, grain silos and historic buildings.
Kiev claimed the attacks were intended to re-impose the Russian blockade by convincing shipping companies and insurers that Ukrainian ports are unsafe for exports. Ukrainian Army Southern Command spokeswoman Natalia Homenyuk said the enemy's aim is to undermine the credibility of Ukrainian-controlled ports and convince the international community that they are dangerous for shipping.
Attack on grain production
The impact of these attacks has been keenly felt by Ukrainian producers, who face immediate consequences.
Serhiy Prachuk, spokesman for the Odessa military administration, said Russia's actions were aimed at destroying Ukrainian grain exports, strategically isolating the country from the world food market.
Agencia EFE reports that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence made a statement on Twitter: "Ukrainian grain can feed millions of people all over the world", denounced Defence, through this social network, to accuse Russia of "choosing the path of slaughter, hunger and terrorism".
Another elevator in the port of Izmail, Odesa region, was damaged by russians. Ukrainian grain has the potential to feed millions of people worldwide.
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 2, 2023
However, russia chose the path of killing, starvation, and terrorism.
📷 Odesa Regional Military Administration pic.twitter.com/DTggvDp7c7
Ukrainian media reported that the drones responsible for the attacks came from the Black Sea and targeted the important port of Izmail in the Danube Delta. This port serves as a vital transit point for Ukrainian grain on its way to the Romanian port of Constanta.
The situation remains tense, with far-reaching implications for food security and world trade. International attention is focused on the evolving conflict, as the fragile balance in the region remains at stake.
