Russia's Black Sea blockade and its impact on Ukraine's maritime trade and global food security (defence24.com)

• Russia's Black Sea blockade since Feb 2022 restricted navigation and food exports.
• UN grain corridor expired July 2023; Russia demands fertilizer exports.
• Ukraine exported 33M tonnes of grain; $547M insurance fund for ships.
• UK and Denmark supplied anti-ship missiles (Brimstone, Harpoon).
• Critical supply chains: neon gas and auto harnesses disrupted.

"Since February 2022, Russia has imposed a de facto blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports, restricting navigation, shelling merchant vessels, and occupying strategic points like Snake Island. The blockade has severely impacted Ukraine's economy, with over 24 million tonnes of grain stranded in the first year, and global food security. A UN-Turkey brokered grain corridor allowed 33 million tonnes of exports but expired in July 2023. Russia continues strikes on port infrastructure. Ukraine has secured a $547 million insurance fund for ships. Western allies have provided anti-ship missiles including Brimstone and Harpoon. The conflict extends to neon gas exports and automotive supply chains."