These strikes took place three days after the end of the agreement which allowed Ukraine to export these cereals through the Black Sea.
“It will take at least a year to fully repair” the damage. The Ukrainian Minister of Agriculture takes stock, after new Russian strikes, on the night of Tuesday July 18 to Wednesday July 19 targeting the port of Chornomorsk, near Odessa. Twelve people were injured, according to the local governor. “60,000 tonnes of cereals were also destroyed”continues the press release from the ministry, these stocks “should have been” shipped “through the grain corridor 60 days ago”.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused, on Telegram, Russia of having “deliberately targeted” sites used for grain export. These strikes took place three days after the end of the agreement, signed a year ago between Moscow and Kiev, which allowed Ukraine to export these cereals through the Black Sea, despite the ongoing conflict. Russia announced to end it “de facto” Monday, just hours before it expires, closing the way for a possible extension of the deal.
The fear of a military escalation
Since then, thePresident Volodymyr Zelensky said he was determined to pursue maritime exports. This declaration had provoked a Russian warning against “the risks” involved in this maritime corridor where no longer exists any “safety guarantee”warned Moscow.
On Wednesday, the day after the strikes, Ukraine called on the UN to mandate international military patrols, from which Russia would be excluded. The Ukrainian presidency requires the help of countries bordering the Black Sea, such as Turkey or Bulgaria. Immediately, Moscow retaliated by assuring that from Thursday, any ship en route to Ukraine will potentially be considered a military vessel.
Consequences for wheat and maize prices
These last strikes “Run the irresponsible risk on world food security”, notably denounced French diplomacy on Wednesday. They can constitute “war crimes”said the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denouncing “food insecurity generated by Russian aggression” in Ukraine.
If Russia declared “without a doubt” to be able to export its cereal production free of charge to countries in need, the price of cereals rose on Wednesday: soft wheat and corn have increased by 5% since the end of the agreement.