As the Black Sea becomes a battleground, one Ukrainian farmer doesn’t know how he'll sell his grain
Ukrainian farmer Victor Tsvik has harvested his wheat this month but exorbitant logistics costs and Russia’s blockade of the ports has made shipping grain too expensive for him
KYIV, Ukraine — Victor Tsvyk harvested 4,800 tons of wheat this month, but after Russia exited a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to ship grain to the world, he has no idea where his produce will go. Or how his beloved farm will survive.
Tsvyk, who normally exported up to 90% of his harvest from the southern port of Odesa, faces a crisis: His yield is 20% higher compared with last year, which would have been a boon in times of peace, but in war, exorbitant logistics costs and Russia’s blockage of the ports has made shipping grain too expensive for him.
Tsvyk is one of thousands of Ukrainian farmers facing a similar dilemma.
“It’s too painful to talk about,” the 67-year-old said when asked how he envisions the future.
Last month, Russia pulled out of the deal that the U.N. and Turkey brokered to provide protection for ships carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Moscow has since stepped up attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure while Ukraine has hit one of Russia's own ports, leading wheat and corn prices to zigzag on global markets.
While countries worldwide press for a restoration of the grain deal and fighting intensifies in the Black Sea, Ukraine's farmers are left wondering how they will stay in business and provide the food that is critical to people in developing nations struggling with hunger.
Tsvyk doesn't know what he will do with his harvest or how he will keep paying his 77 workers.
“What could I feel in this situation? It is a great sorrow for everyone,” he said.
His vast farm in Shurivka, 120 kilometers (75
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