An agricultural lobby group and a major farmers’ union said on Wednesday Ukraine
is assessing whether to expand insurance coverage for vessels carrying grain to
help restore sea exports disrupted by intensified Russian attacks on ships and
port infrastructure. Russia’s attacks since this summer have all but halted
Ukraine’s seaborne exports; roughly 90% of Ukraine’s exports normally move via
Black Sea ports and agricultural exports have fallen about 60%. The disruption
threatens 2027 sowing and subsequent harvests. Ukraine’s grain output is about
three times domestic consumption; if exports cannot resume freely the country
risks storage shortages, sharp domestic price declines and farmer insolvencies.
The Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, after meetings with the president and prime
minister, said its main priority remains securing maritime routes and that
introducing a vessel-insurance mechanism was discussed.
