Russian Attacks Cripple Ukraine's Black Sea Grain Exports, Forcing Search for Alternative Routes
Russian attacks on Black Sea ports have severely disrupted Ukraine's agricultural exports, bringing shipping in the Odesa region to a near standstill. These ports previously handled approximately 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports. The Ukrainian government is actively seeking alternative export routes via rail, road, and the Danube River, and is also in negotiations for a new corridor through Moldova. However, experts caution that these temporary solutions cannot fully replace the capacity of Black Sea ports. The blockade has created a significant challenge for Ukrainian farmers, who have harvested over 28 million tons of grains and pulses but are struggling to sell their produce. This inability to sell is leading to a shortage of cash needed for ongoing harvesting and planting of winter crops. Extreme heat and drought have further complicated matters by reducing the Danube's transport capacity and hampering rail and road logistics. The situation is expected to worsen as more grain and oilseed crops are... 
