Ukrainian grain deal agreed
On 22 July, Ukraine and Russia signed a deal to restart the transporting of Ukrainian grain (crops such as wheat and barley) through the Black Sea. Many people across the world have been facing food shortages and hunger because grain has been blocked from leaving Ukraine.
Why have the shortages been so serious?
Ukrainian farmers grow a huge amount of grain – about 10% of the world’s total supply. Ukraine’s ports on the Black Sea, in the south of the country, have deep water and very big ships can sail in and out. Russia blocked these ports earlier this year following its invasion of Ukraine in February. It meant that about 20 million tonnes of grain that would usually be shipped out of Ukraine could not be moved. Many countries have also refused to buy grain grown in Russia, to punish the country for invading Ukraine, and this has added to the shortages.
What has been the impact of grain shortages?
Grain is important for making all sorts of foods, such as bread, cereal and pasta. More than 40% of Africa’s wheat is supplied by Ukraine and Russia. The war has reportedly caused a shortage of 30 million tonnes of food in Africa, and a 40% rise in food prices. Many countries across the world have seen food prices go up because of the war; the price of bread has doubled in Syria. The war has also led to a sunflower oil shortage in many countries, and some restaurants in Germany are no longer serving chips because they can’t buy enough cooking oil.
What is the grain deal?
The deal was signed by Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey and was supported by the United Nations (UN), a group of most of the world’s countries that works to promote peace. Under the new deal, which is set to last for 120 days, ships will be allowed to carry grain out of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. Russia will also be allowed to transport grain and fertiliser through the Black Sea to sell it, but Turkey will inspect their ships to ensure no weapons for the war are being secretly carried on board. Russia has agreed not to attack ports while grain is being shipped.
Although Russia and Ukraine have planned for the deal to last for 120 days, it can be extended if both sides agree.
What was the reaction?
After the deal was signed, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement, “There is a chance to reduce the severity of the food crisis provoked by Russia.” He added, “This is another illustration that Ukraine is able to withstand this war.” The head of the UN, António Guterres, said the deal was “a beacon of hope”. However, on 23 July, a day after the deal was signed, two missiles struck the port of Odessa, in Ukraine. At first Russian officials denied that Russia had anything to do with the attack, but they have since admitted that it was them. The attack had made people worry that the grain deal would no longer go ahead, but Ukraine said that the first ships carrying grain would be setting out within days of the deal being signed.