Ukraine Steps In To Supply Essential Grain To Syria After Russian Shipments Halt

Ukraine is preparing to send essential grain shipments to Syria, after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian Ports, which previously handled grain shipments from Russia, are now expected to receive Ukrainian agricultural goods under the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian initiative.

With Russia halting its grain shipments to Syria due to payment delays and political uncertainty, Ukraine has stepped in to address the potential food crisis.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his government is working with international organisations and the new Syrian leadership to deliver wheat, flour, and oil via shipping routes.

Before Assad’s fall, Syria was a key recipient of Russian grain, much of it sourced from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.

However, with Assad’s ouster and the rise of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Damascus, Russian grain shipments have been disrupted.

Some vessels carrying Russian grain stopped mid-voyage and are expected to miss their deliveries.

Ukraine, a leading global exporter of grain, has traditionally shipped agricultural goods to the Middle East but not to Syria. The fall of Assad and the suspension of Russian shipments have opened an opportunity for Ukraine to establish itself as a key supplier to Syria’s ports.

Despite facing a naval blockade from Russia since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has managed to revive its agricultural exports by utilising its southern ports, including Odesa.

This has enabled Ukraine to maintain its position as a major global supplier of corn and wheat.

Ukraine exported 29.4 million metric tons of corn in the 2023/24 season but only small amounts reached Syria. Analysts believe some Ukrainian grain may have entered Syria indirectly through neighbouring countries.

With the new Syrian leadership, Ukraine is now planning direct shipments to ensure Syria doesn’t go through a food crisis. This is seen as a humanitarian effort as well as a strategic move.

President Zelensky said that the “Grain from Ukraine” program has already helped stabilise food supplies in challenging regions and will now focus on Syria. He also added that Ukraine is working with international organisations and Syrian representatives to ensure the smooth delivery of these supplies.

Reports reveal that Ukraine provided drone surveillance to assist HTS during their offensive against Assad’s forces, dealing a strategic setback to Russia in the eastern Mediterranean.

This initiative not only addresses Syria’s immediate food needs but also reinforces Ukraine’s resilience in the global grain trade. The first shipments of Ukrainian grain to Syria are expected to have a great impact on stabilising the region.

References: Reuters, Tribune

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