Crisis and Cooperation: The Black Sea Grain Solution.

Byline: Sana Iqbal

Ever since the commencement of the Ukraine-Russian armed conflict, its repercussions have extended to impede imminent cooperation on critical issues, such as nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, cybersecurity, global economic security, counterterrorism, and energy security. The conflict encompasses more than just violence and military operations; it has also exacerbated other serious global crises. This includes the distribution and delivery of vital aid, notably food. Consequently, it has exacerbated the prevailing scarcity of global humanitarian assistance and other resources for vulnerable communities and states.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a complete cessation of maritime grain shipments from Ukraine. Ukraine had been a significant exporter through the Black Sea. This development caused global food prices to rise and posed a significant risk of famine in third-world and developing nations. To address this concern and manage the ensuing instability, Turkey, which also oversees the maritime routes from the Black Sea, initiated discussions with the backing of the United Nations. These discussions culminated in a July 2022 agreement known as the Black Sea Grain Deal. This agreement pertains to grain export through specific ports in the Black Sea region. It was also an endeavor to tackle the escalating issue of food insecurity.

Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its blockade of seaports in early 2022, a Joint Coordination Centre was arranged in Istanbul to monitor their activities. The deal, brokered by Turkey and the UN, included three Ukrainian ports: Chernomorsk, Yuzhny, and Odesa on its Black Sea coast. In peacetime, Ukraine exported food that would be enough for around four hundred million people worldwide. The country has been one of the largest exporters of sunflower oil and wheat, and it used to export millions of tons of oilseeds and grains through its Black Sea coast.

Despite the ongoing war, the grain deal enabled Ukrainian grains to be shipped to the impoverished states of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. However, it also benefitted Russia, allowing it to ship fertilizers and food worldwide despite Western sanctions. Moreover, the deal was intended to be extended every four months. However, the past two extensions only lasted for two months each, as Russia complained about encountering difficulties in shipping fertilizer and food products.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative offered an...