The “special operation”, as the Kremlin calls it, launched on February 24, paralyzed grain exports from Ukraine – a major player in this sector – and caused a spike in grain and fertilizer prices. For its part, Russia, which is preparing to make a record harvest of wheat, affirms that the ports of Berdiansk and especially of Mariupol are ready to welcome all the ships transporting cereals.
With our special correspondent in Mariupol, Anissa El Jabri
On the road that runs along the coast of the Sea of Azov, on one side of the trees that are no longer cut and maintained, their vast leafy branches form a curtain of greenery in front of the facades of damaged or destroyed buildings and the other, the sea and on the bathers’ beach.
The last mines in the waves were destroyed on Sunday June 12 and the port, whose huge cranes are still painted in Ukrainian blue and yellow, is almost fully operational, say the authorities. All that’s missing is the water and electricity connection, but the first boats have already left for Russia and perhaps other countries soon.
►To read: Cereals: NGOs are alarmed by speculation and the productivist reaction of European authorities
Buy at higher prices
” Sanctions will definitely interfere with exportsbelieves Denis Pushilin, leader of the self-proclaimed republic of Donetsk. Of course, this does not simplify the work in any way, but it does not cancel the possibilities available to us. There is demand for what is harvested and made here. There are a number of countries, including western countries, which are interested in our products. From now on, they will receive these products by third countries, which will circumvent the sanctions. It will be more expensive, it is the only thing that the countries which imposed sanctions obtained, it is to buy at higher prices. »
The sanctions are an obstacle to the export of cereals in particular, a discourse that has been repeated for weeks by Russia and its allies. A speech that Westerners refute is a lie, even said the Elysée last Friday. Russia should this year break records during its wheat harvest.