German FM warns Russian port attacks threaten one-third of crop
A third of Ukraine's harvest is at risk of spoiling as targeted Russian attacks severely disrupt grain exports through Ukrainian ports, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said at the opening of the eighth German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnership Conference in Berlin, Ukrinform reported on Oct. 8.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports risk spoiling one-third of Ukraine's harvest. He addressed the eighth German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnership Conference in Berlin, stating that prolonged disruptions could affect food security in vulnerable regions worldwide. Wadephul emphasized that Ukrainian agricultural exports are crucial, with 90% of grain exports typically moving through seaports.
Russian attacks have severely reduced maritime export capacity, forcing Ukraine to redirect some exports via rail, road, and Danube routes. However, these alternatives cannot fully replace port capacity. The UN has warned that disruptions to Black Sea ports and commercial shipping threaten global food security. Wadephul described the situation as another form of destabilization caused by Russia's expansionist aggression.
He also highlighted the need for cooperation between German and Ukrainian municipalities, particularly in areas such as electricity, heating, schools, hospitals, and shelters. Germany plans to organize a roundtable of German and Ukrainian mayors next year to share practical experiences.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
