Ukraine’s grain starts moving. (N.Y. Times)
The Razoni, loaded with more than 26,000 metric tons of corn, sailed out of Ukraine’s blockaded ports today — the first such ship to sail since Russia’s invasion.
There are 16 more vessels ready to bring grain to world markets under a deal signed by Russia and Ukraine. But experts warn that a global hunger crisis still looms.
Russia’s blockade since its invasion sent global grain prices soaring and brought the threat of famine to tens of millions of people, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Wheat prices have since eased, but experts think they are likely to rise again, in part because of other factors, including the prices of energy and fertilizer.
“The issues affecting food markets have not been solved,” said Ehsan Khoman, who manages emerging-market and commodities research for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. “There is still a shortage.”
Aid officials say that the scale of the global food crisis — years in the making and fueled by wars, climate shocks and the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic — is so immense that no single event will reverse the situation.
As many as 50 million people in 45 countries are on the brink of famine, according to the U.N.’s World Food Program. In the 20 worst-hit countries, the situation is likely to worsen substantially by the end of the summer, it said.
Still, the departure of the ship was a first step toward getting 20 million tons of grain to the world market, generating export revenue for Ukraine. The Razoni left the port of Odesa, from where it was led out of the mined waters by a Ukrainian tugboat. Its crew, mostly Syrian seamen, headed for the port of Tripoli in Lebanon.
This is a report for praise, the Ukraine war does not just affect Ukraine, it affects the whole world. Let’s thank the Lord for this release of grain to feed the hungry.
Pray that these ports will remain open!
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team