By comparison, Ukraine was exporting about 5 million tonnes each month until February 24 when Russia launched an attack that first put the brakes on and then halted its exports.
Ukraine is “on track” to export almost as much grain in August as it did before the Russian invasion began, according to estimates by a senior US administration official.
“Thanks to strong international cooperation, Ukraine is on track to export nearly 4 million tons of agricultural products in August,” the State Department official told AFP.
By comparison, Ukraine was exporting about 5 million tonnes each month until February 24 when Russia launched an attack that first put the brakes on and then halted its exports.
As Ukraine is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of grain, the war has raised concerns about the risk of a global food crisis.
Since July 22, when the agreement between Kiev and Moscow, brokered by Ankara and under the auspices of the UN, was signed, 33 ships loaded with a total of 720,000 tons of grain have departed from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, according to the same source.
In addition, another initiative under the auspices of the European Union allowed another 2.5 to 3 million tons of grain to be transported by road or rail, the US official noted.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently pledged to “intensify” Ukraine’s grain exports before the onset of winter, as they are vital to the supply of many African countries.
A similar agreement guarantees Moscow exports of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers.
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