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Under Russian control, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, the main export routes for Ukrainian wheat, no longer allow production to circulate. 25 million tons of cereals are thus blocked and the allies are looking into other transit areas.
In Ukraine, 25 million tons of cereals have been blocked since the start of the war, which began more than three months ago. “Russia uses wheat as a weapon, as a weapon of war”, assures Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. While Russia controls the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, Ukrainian wheat, 95% of which transits by sea, can no longer be exported.
One option is freight through Poland, but this is minimal. “Compared to a boat, we are on quantities that are negligible”, assures Arthur Portier, consultant at Agritel. Another passage is possible through Romania, by river or by train, but this operation is complex. Another route via Belarus is envisaged, but it would be necessary to negotiate with this ally of Russia. “It’s very delicate because we imposed sanctions on Belarus for something else”, recalls Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Westerners plan to escort grain ships and find an agreement with Russia.