Grain export through the Danube-Black Sea canal is an essential but insufficient step to mitigate world hunger – United Nations

A few days ago, a passage for ships transporting agricultural products was resumed through the Bystre estuary of the Danube-Black Sea canal.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths mentioned on Twitter that this news encouraged him, but he considers these measures insufficient to overcome the threat of world hunger. Only unblocking the Ukrainian Black Sea ports, currently blocked by the Russian army, is the best way to prevent global hunger.

“Encouraged by reports that exports of Ukrainian grains through the Black Sea-Danube canal have resumed. But this is not enough. As food insecurity mounts around the world, opening the Black Sea route is our best bet to mitigate global hunger. The world can’t wait” – Martin Griffiths said.

According to the UN study, Ukraine grows enough food to feed more than 400 million people every year. Millions of people around the world are marching towards starvation because our ports are blocked.

“The Bystre estuary of the Danube-Black Sea canal is an extremely important transport canal that can become a "road of life" for those countries that are at risk of starvation. It became possible due to the liberation of Zmiinyi Island from Russian occupiers and the work of Ukrainian defenders. We continue to work to save not only Ukraine from Russian aggression but also the world, which Putin is holding hostage" – the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov said.

As reported, before the full-scale invasion, about 80% of agricultural products were exported through Ukrainian seaports. Currently, Ukraine exports only through the Danube ports, railway, and road checkpoints on the western borders because of the blockade of seaports.

Its throughput capacity is currently insufficient to fully replace seaports.

In addition, the head of the UN World Food Program reported that the UN receives 40% of wheat from Ukraine for its emergency food aid programs.