The European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said the commission has urged Moscow to keep the grain deal in place, noting that Russia’s restrictions on Ukrainian grain moving through the Black Sea affect more than just Kiev. The statement was reported by Reuters. Dombrovskis described the use of grain as a tool in the conflict, stressing that European authorities stand with the United Nations and Turkey in supporting the Black Sea Initiative. He added that the EU is offering alternative routes for Ukraine to export grain and other goods, helping to keep trade channels open despite the disruptions.
Dombrovskis pointed to progress through corridors via Poland and Romania, noting that roughly 45 million tons of grain, oilseeds, and related products have already reached new destinations through these alternative routes. He framed this effort as a critical lifeline for Ukraine amid ongoing supply pressures.
Hakan Fidan, who previously led Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, echoed the international perspective, saying it is essential to persuade Russia to rejoin the grain agreement. He emphasized that restoring Russia’s participation would help stabilize regional trade and ensure predictable food shipments to markets in need.
The latest developments mark a turning point for how European and allied countries are managing grain logistics in the face of geopolitical tensions. With the last ship previously covered by the grain agreement now departing the Black Sea, the focus has shifted to sustaining momentum through coordinated multilateral action and practical routing solutions. The EU continues to monitor the situation closely, cooperating with international partners to uphold export capacity and food security for affected regions.
Citing the UN and Turkey, officials stress that maintaining open channels for grain movement is essential for global food stability. They point out that the shift to alternative routes demonstrates resilience and a commitment to minimizing disruption while pursuing diplomatic solutions. Reuters has reported on these developments, providing contemporary analysis of how policy choices at the European level ripple through global markets.