Ukraine Turns to Alternative Grain Export Routes as Russia Blocks Black Sea Ports

Ukraine is switching to alternative routes to export grain after intensified Russian attacks disrupted Black Sea ports, particularly the Odesa hub. The agriculture minister, Taras Vysotskyi, said the corridors may reach required capacity at the end of August at the earliest, but would cover only about half of the volumes typically handled by Black Sea ports. He warned more than 30 million tons of cereals and oilseeds could fail to reach international markets. Direct losses could total $1.5 billion to $3 billion this year.