Grain deal and food blackmail
- The blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports has threatened the food security of dozens of countries dependent on Ukrainian grain.
- In July 2022, the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' was concluded with the mediation of the UN and Turkey.
- The initiative allowed for the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports and reduced tension in the global food market.
- In 2023, Russia withdrew from the deal and struck at Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure.
Ukraine is one of the largest global exporters of grain and sunflower oil. Its supplies are critically important for countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. When Russian aggression blocked maritime export routes, the consequences were felt far beyond the conflict region. The story of the 'grain deal' shows how food became a tool of pressure. Let's break down the key stages.
Blockade of ports and impact on the global market
After the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the Black Sea ports of Ukraine were effectively blocked. They accounted for the majority of grain exports, and their halt led to millions of tons of food being trapped in the country.
On the global market, this triggered a rise in food prices and exacerbated risks for the most vulnerable importing countries. According to estimates from relevant UN agencies, the food security of dozens of states dependent on supplies from the Black Sea region was at risk.
The 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' of 2022
To unblock exports, in July 2022, the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' was concluded with the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey. Its key elements are:
- the creation of a safe maritime corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain;
- the work of a joint coordination center with the participation of representatives from the UN, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia;
- inspection of vessels to monitor the nature of the cargo.
The initiative allowed for the resumption of exports of significant volumes of grain and other agricultural products, which helped stabilize prices and direct food to regions in need, including humanitarian aid programs.
The significance of the deal for global food security
The "Black Sea Grain Initiative" demonstrated that even in wartime, mechanisms can exist to reduce harm to third countries. Resumption of supplies:
- alleviated pressure on global food prices;
- supported countries most dependent on grain imports;
- provided raw materials for UN humanitarian programs.
This underscored Ukraine's key role as a guarantor of food stability for many regions of the world.
Russia's exit from the deal in 2023
In 2023, Russia announced its withdrawal from the "Black Sea Grain Initiative." After that, exports through the agreed corridor were threatened, and risks to the global food market increased again.
Additionally, strikes on Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure were recorded — on facilities related to the storage and transshipment of agricultural products. The destruction of such capacities directly affected the country's ability to export food and, consequently, the interests of importing countries.
Food as a tool of pressure
The combination of actions — blockade of ports, withdrawal from agreements, and strikes on grain infrastructure — allows us to speak of the food dimension of aggression. When access to a basic resource becomes a subject of pressure, it is primarily the most vulnerable countries and populations, who have no relation to the conflict, that suffer.
Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness to work with international mechanisms that ensure food exports throughout this entire period and has remained interested in uninterrupted supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ukrainian grain so important for the world?
Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of grain and sunflower oil, the supplies of which are crucial for the food security of dozens of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
What is the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative'?
This is an agreement reached in July 2022 with the mediation of the UN and Turkey, which created a safe maritime corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain.
What happened to the deal in 2023?
Russia exited the initiative, after which exports through the corridor were threatened, and strikes were inflicted on Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure.
Who suffers the most from food pressure?
First of all, vulnerable importing countries and their populations, dependent on grain supplies and not involved in the conflict.
Sources: UN materials on the Black Sea Grain Initiative (un.org), World Food Programme (wfp.org), Food and Agriculture Organization (fao.org).
The material is informational and analytical in nature and is based on data from official international organizations. The figures are provided with references to sources. Updated: July 6, 2026. Edited by MegaInet.art.
