Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure and maritime export routes in the Black Sea threaten global food security, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, speaking before the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, noting that Ukraine’s losses from exports are estimated at 60 million euros per day.
Speaking during the debate on the escalation of Russian attacks, Ms. Kalas accused Moscow of deliberately targeting ports, grain storage facilities, ships, and shipping lanes, thereby undermining Ukraine’s ability to supply international markets with agricultural products.
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It noted that Ukraine accounts for approximately 15% of global corn exports, 10% of global wheat exports, and 50% of sunflower oil exports, with approximately 90% of these products transported via the Black Sea corridor.
The High Representative warned that global grain prices have reached their highest level since February 2023, amid additional pressures from drought, extreme weather events, and conflicts in the Middle East. She cited the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Black Sea as three critical chokepoints for the global food supply.
Referring to the security situation, Ms. Calas spoke of a dangerous escalation in the Black Sea, with six attacks in ten days by unmanned aerial vehicles reportedly of Russian origin. As she said, Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down two unmanned aerial vehicles on Saturday over Romanian territorial waters, while the search continues for seven sailors missing following attacks on two tankers near the Romanian coast.
Outlining the EU’s response, Ms. Kallas stated that the Union is in contact with international partners, including Turkey and India, to promote an agreement that will ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
“Ukraine has proposed it. Russia has rejected it,” he said, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts must be accompanied by sustained pressure on Moscow and continued support for Ukraine.
He also referred to the EU and Ukraine’s “Solidarity Corridors” initiative, through which Ukrainian grain exports have increased by nearly two million metric tons since July. However, she noted that Russia is now also targeting border crossings with Moldova, Romania, and Poland, putting alternative routes at risk as well.
Ms. Kalas called for strengthened maritime surveillance, real-time information sharing, and faster coordination in the event of serious security incidents, referring to the maritime security hub in the Black Sea, which Romania and Bulgaria are establishing with EU support.
She added that the Union is also promoting the development of joint defense capabilities to counter threats from unmanned aerial vehicles and sea mines, in close coordination with NATO.
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Source: KYPE
