Black Sea grain attacks threaten global food security

Russia's main grain lobby, the Union of Grain Exporters and Producers, warned on July 31 that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports could shut down grain exports via the Black Sea, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East. Russia and Ukraine have been attacking each other's agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea area in recent weeks. The union said systematic attacks that began in July could lead to a complete blockage of export corridors in the Black Sea basin, posing a direct threat to global food security. It projected a shortfall in Russian wheat supply of 30-35 million metric tons, about 15% of global wheat trade, and warned of a protracted global crisis with wheat prices potentially rising to $340-$370 per ton FOB, possibly exceeding $400. Ukraine's largest farming union, the Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, also warned that Russian strikes near Odesa were restricting Ukrainian exports. Russia's Russia — Ministry of Defence (Russia) said its forces struck 31 ships linked to the Ukrainian military in the past week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian attacks threatened global food security and urged European partners to help. The United Nations-brokered grain corridor has been effectively shut by Russian attacks. The United States and Ukraine are reportedly discussing an air ceasefire as part of peace proposals.