Ukrainian attacks against Russian ships and ports in the Black Sea region could lead the country to suspend grain exports in the near future, the Russian Union of Grain Exporters and Producers said in an interview with Reuters on Friday (31). Russia is the world's largest exporter of wheat and has African and Asian countries as its main buyers. In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified attacks against agricultural export structures and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, leading the Kremlin to extend restrictions on diesel and gasoline exports until January 31, 2027, to ensure domestic supply of these products. "The systematic attacks that began in July could soon lead to a total blockade of export corridors in the Black Sea basin," the organization said. According to projections from the same source, the drop in Russian wheat supplies to other countries this season could reach 30 to 35 million tons, representing about 15% of total global wheat trade. "The disruptions in maritime transport in the Black Sea, caused by Ukrainian attacks on dry cargo ships and port infrastructure, represent a direct threat to global food security," it stated.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.