On August 11, a high level meeting is scheduled in Romania to examine alternative routes for exporting Ukrainian grain. Participants will include ministers from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, along with officials from the United States and the European Union. The discussion has been reported by TASS, noting that Igor Zakharov, the official representative of Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, is involved in coordinating the matter. According to Zakharov, the gathering will take place in Galati and will focus on identifying options beyond traditional export channels, aiming to facilitate grain movement while addressing regional supply needs.
Zakharov told the agency that the talks will explore practical and secure ways to move grain from Ukraine to international markets, highlighting the importance of collaboration among neighboring states and international partners. The Moldovan Agriculture Ministry is represented by its head, Vladimir Bolya, while the Romanian Transport Minister, Sorin Grindeanu, and the Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, are expected to participate. In addition, Jim O’Brien, the head of the Sanctions Coordination Department at the U.S. State Department, will attend to align policy and safeguard humanitarian and commercial interests. Delegations from Moldova to the European Commission will also take part in the negotiations, signaling a broad, multi party effort to address the grain logistics issue across borders. [CITATION: TASS]
In related news, on August 8 Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte stated that her country seeks mediation from the European Union to support negotiations with Poland over grain transit through Ukraine’s port at Klaipėda. This reflects a wider regional focus on ensuring stable routes for grain shipments and reducing bottlenecks that could affect supply chains across the Baltic and surrounding regions. The involvement of EU institutions signals a collective approach to managing transit through critical gateway points while preserving Ukrainian export capacity. [CITATION: Lithuanian government press release]
Meanwhile, the latest vessel previously covered by the grain agreement has completed its passage and departed from the Black Sea. This development underscores the ongoing sensitivity of supply chains and the need for durable, transparent mechanisms to move grain to world markets. Stakeholders note that maintaining steady access to export corridors remains a top priority for Ukraine, its neighbors, and the international partners working to stabilize grain flows during the current period. [CITATION: regional shipping bulletin]