Taras Vysotskyi and Ambassador of Spain discuss consequences of russia’s attacks on Ukrainian ports for agricultural exports

The impact of russian strikes on the port infrastructure of Greater Odesa on Ukraine’s agricultural exports and possible steps by international partners to support Ukrainian producers were the key topics of a meeting between Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to Ukraine, Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu.

Taras Vysotskyi emphasized that the maritime route remains critically important for Ukraine’s agricultural exports. Around 90% of grain and oilseed exports are shipped through Black Sea ports, and alternative logistics routes cannot fully replace maritime transport.

According to him, even under the most favorable conditions, rail, road, and Danube routes can provide only 45–50% of annual agricultural exports.

"Today we are once again facing a challenge we already experienced at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. No alternative route can fully replace seaports. Even under the most optimistic scenario, alternative logistics will cover only up to half of the necessary export volumes and will cost farmers an additional EUR 50–70 per tonne of products. Losses for Ukraine’s agricultural sector could reach USD 1.5–3 billion. That is why support from international partners is critically important both for Ukraine and for maintaining global food security," stressed Taras Vysotskyi.

The parties also discussed risks for the harvest campaign and storage of the new crop. If the situation does not change, Ukraine may face a storage capacity deficit of 11 million tonnes as early as autumn. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food is working to provide farmers with temporary storage solutions, such as grain bags, and is developing affordable credit mechanisms for producers.

They also explored opportunities to expand cooperation between Ukraine and Spain in the agricultural sector, support alternative logistics routes, attract international assistance, and coordinate with European partners to minimize the consequences of russian aggression.

The Ambassador of Spain reaffirmed the unwavering support of Ukraine by the Spanish government and society. He noted that Spain is ready to consider further assistance to Ukraine’s agricultural sector, particularly in developing alternative logistics, supporting exports, and implementing joint projects aimed at strengthening food security.