US looks to alternative to Ukraine grain deal: ‘Return to pre-war export levels’

Without a grain deal with Russia, the U.S. is looking at alternatives for Ukraine to still export grain. A government official told Reuters. This may allow Ukraine to return to the same level of grain exports as before the war.

The routes considered by the United States pass through Ukraine’s land and territorial waters. “We see potential routes through Ukraine’s territorial waters and land. We aim to export pre-war averages from Ukraine in the next few months,” said James O’Brien, head of the US Sanctions Coordination Center.

Also Read | The Danube near Romania is a new battleground in the war between Russia and Ukraine

If the US and Ukraine succeed in restoring exports, it will be good news for African countries. Ukraine is one of the world’s most important grain suppliers. Many countries have suffered from shortages and rising prices of grain since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Grain Agreement

Trade resumed under a grain deal brokered by Turkey between Russia and Ukraine, but Russia let the deal expire this summer. As a result, Ukraine switched to exports via the Danube River. However, ports where Ukrainian exports have resumed via the Danube continue to be bombarded by Russian missile attacks. There was also an attempt to build a corridor that would allow cargo ships to pass through the Black Sea to Turkey.