Mumbai, Aug 16(Commoditiescontrol) In response to the collapse of a crucial grain deal with Russia, the United States is actively considering various strategies to ensure the continuity of grain exports from Ukraine, including a potential military option to safeguard shipping routes, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, August 15.
The United States is reportedly in discussions with Turkey, Ukraine, and other neighboring countries to develop alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain. As per the plan endorsed by Washington, Ukraine may be able to export 4 million tons of grain per month via the Danube River by this October. While much of the grain is expected to be shipped down the Danube and across the Black Sea to nearby Romanian ports, it will subsequently be transported to other international destinations. Although more costly and time-consuming, this alternative route could potentially serve as a viable substitute for the Black Sea Corridor, as noted by the WSJ.
This move by the United States, as the newspaper indicates, suggests that in conjunction with Ukraine and its European allies, preparations are underway for a scenario where Russia, dubbed the 'aggressor country' in the report, fails to reinstate the grain deal in time for the export of Ukraine's summer and fall harvest.
"The United States is considering all potential options, including military solutions, to protect ships traveling to and from Ukrainian ports on the Danube," a Washington official stated in the report, though they declined to provide further details regarding these options or specify the countries that might be involved.
U.S. officials are also actively exploring how to enhance the efficiency of the Danube route. This includes measures such as modifying regulations to allow larger vessels to pass through the river, creating additional space for anchorage, and other related improvements. However, Erin Elizabeth McKee, head of USAID's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, emphasized in a prior statement that these efforts are intended only as a “temporary alternative,” and are not designed to replace the critical role of the Black Sea ports.
The ongoing disruptions to the Ukrainian grain deal, reportedly caused by Russia, have thus necessitated a comprehensive and potentially forceful response from the United States and its allies in an effort to protect a pivotal sector of Ukraine's economy and to maintain stability in global grain markets.
(By CommoditiesControl Bureau; +91-9820130172)
0 Comments 
Post Comment 
