In a recent interview with Rossiya 1 television channel, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined several potential routes for the export of Ukrainian grain, asserting that Russia does not obstruct such exports. He proposed both maritime and land-based solutions, including passage through Russian-controlled ports and neighbouring countries.
Russia’s Guarantee for Grain Shipments
Putin stated that Russia guarantees the unimpeded passage of vessels transporting Ukrainian grain, provided that Ukraine clears its ports of naval mines.
Sea Route Options:
| Export Route | Condition |
| Ukrainian Black Sea Ports | Must be cleared of mines |
| Berdyansk and Mariupol | Under Russian control |
| Via the Danube & Romania | Logistical support required |
“We do not place obstacles in the way of Ukrainian grain exports,” said President Putin.
️ Overland Routes for Grain Export
Putin also highlighted several land-based alternatives for grain export, suggesting that Belarus provides the most logical and efficient route. However, he noted that this path is complicated by Western sanctions against Belarus.
️ Land Route Options:
| Country | Remarks |
| Belarus | Most direct; requires lifting of sanctions |
| Romania | Accessible via Danube; infrastructure dependent |
| Hungary | Viable with support from transit partners |
| Poland | Politically sensitive; potentially cooperative |
Broader Implications on Global Food Security
Putin reiterated that the current turmoil in the global food market was not caused solely by the Ukraine conflict, but began in February 2020, with roots in Western energy policy failures.
“Problems began long before our military operation. The real issue is the short-sighted energy policy pursued by European nations, particularly the European Commission,” Putin remarked.
Critique of Western Energy Policy
According to Putin, European leaders and environmentalist lobbies have prioritised a “green agenda” at the expense of energy stability.
“European countries ignored our appeal to preserve long-term natural gas contracts and began phasing them out. This has negatively affected the European energy market and led to price surges.”
Economic Sanctions and Fertiliser Crisis
Commenting on new sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union, Putin warned of severe knock-on effects on fertiliser production and crop yields globally.
⚠️ Sanctions Impact Forecast:
| Sector Affected | Predicted Consequences |
| Fertilisers | Reduced availability, rising prices |
| Harvest Output | Lower yields across multiple regions |
| Food Prices | Further increases expected on global markets |
“This is a short-sighted, erroneous, and frankly stupid policy, pushing us into a cul-de-sac,” the Russian president asserted.
Global Grain Reserves at Critical Level
The UN Security Council, at a session held on 21 May, warned that global wheat reserves will last only 10 weeks, with the current crisis exceeding the severity of the 2007–2008 food crisis.
Current Situation:
- Wheat and corn prices have surged significantly since the beginning of the year
- ⚠️ Global reserves of wheat are at a critical low level
- Grain supply routes disrupted by the conflict and sanctions
Putin’s proposals for grain export from Ukraine reflect an attempt to position Russia as a facilitator rather than an obstacle, while redirecting blame for the global food crisis towards Western energy policies and sanctions. Whether these proposed routes will be accepted by Ukraine and its allies remains uncertain, especially given the geopolitical tensions and sanction constraints that persist.