Moldova offers rail lifeline for Ukrainian food exports as Russia chokes Black Sea trade
The agreement with Moldova would cover just over 1% of Ukraine's total expected grain and oilseed exports.
Moldova has committed to allowing 600,000 metric tons of Ukrainian food products to pass through its railways by the end of 2026, in response to Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised Moldova's decision as a show of solidarity. The European Commission has been assessing alternative shipment routes through the Solidarity Lanes, which were previously used when Ukraine faced similar challenges in 2022.
Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky believes that the Black Sea ports are Ukraine's only real option for exporting crops, but predicts that the country will run out of storage space by October. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for an end to the attacks on ships in the Black Sea and is attempting to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Ukraine repatriates 261 bodies that Russia claims belong to Ukrainian soldiers kyivindependent.com
