Kallas called on the international community to ensure free navigation in the Black Sea

About 90% of Ukrainian agricultural exports traditionally go through the Black Sea Corridor, but since August this route has been practically non-operational.

The international community should promote the restoration of the global trade route in the Black Sea. This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas, writes “European Pravda”.

According to the official, the EU is already helping Ukraine mitigate the consequences of the suspension of commercial shipping – it determines the possibilities of grain storage, supports farmers and simplifies border crossing procedures for cargo. Since May 2022, the “EU Solidarity Corridors” have facilitated trade worth about €304 billion.

However, this is not enough. Kallas emphasized that the international community should encourage diplomatic efforts to ensure civilian shipping, protect critical infrastructure and restore the trade route.

“If Russia would simply stop its attacks in the Black Sea, farmers, traders and international food markets would get the predictability they need at this critical moment,” she said.

The top EU diplomat recalled Ukraine’s role in global markets: the country provides 15% of global corn exports, 10% of wheat, 15-20% of barley and 50% of sunflower oil. About 90% of these goods are transported through the Black Sea corridor.

“However, since August, exports through the Black Sea have effectively stopped. Once again, the escalation of attacks by Russia has made commercial shipping impossible,” Kallas said.

The day before, USM reported that the crisis in the Black Sea for wheat can be compared to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz for oil.