As part of the second international conference, Crimea Global: Understanding Ukraine through the South, a roundtable discussion took place in Odesa addressing regional challenges, Ukraine’s successes in the Black Sea, and the restoration of the grain corridor.

The event was attended by Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration Dmytro Radulov, Head of the State Enterprise Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) Yurii Lytvyn, Deputy Head of the USPA Dmytro Barinov, representatives of the Ukrainian Navy, colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Representation in Odesa, and conference participants—leading international experts from Brazil, Kenya, and India. The discussion was moderated by Yevhen Bondarenko, Head of the Mission’s Information Department , and Tetiana Nepomniashcha, Chief Consultant of the Crimea Platform Department.

Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Dmytro Radulov, highlighted the challenges of operating under continuous attacks. He noted that the ongoing Russian aggression has destroyed irrigation systems and halted production in many sectors.

“Ukraine is a major food exporter. However, due to the Russian aggression, we face a 60% loss in sunflower and corn production. Ukraine is the world’s leading exporter of sunflower oil, and Odesa alone accounts for 11% of global exports. This has significantly impacted global markets, making the construction of new irrigation infrastructure a critical priority,” said Radulov.

Radulov also emphasized the region’s role as a refuge for over 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), stressing the importance of creating infrastructure for displaced families, particularly for children.

Yurii Lytvyn, Head of the USPA, discussed the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure and presented the accomplishments of the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor despite the threats posed by Russian aggression.

“Despite persistent enemy attacks on critical infrastructure, Ukrainian ports continue to operate. This is possible thanks to the professionalism of our port workers, the heroic defense provided by the Ukrainian Navy, and our constant focus on the safety of employees and seafarers. Since the maritime corridor’s inception, 3,118 ships have navigated it, processing 83.5 million tons of cargo, including 55.6 million tons of grain. This month alone, the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi have transshipped 4.1 million tons of cargo,” Lytvyn stated.

He further underscored the critical importance of international support and ongoing dialogue with global partners to sustain Ukraine’s maritime operations.

A representative of the Ukrainian Navy highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea for global trade. He recalled the 2022 blockade of the Black Sea by the Russian fleet and its worldwide economic impact. Thanks to successful naval operations, Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces have pushed the Russian fleet out of central areas of the Black Sea and Crimean ports, forcing it to retreat to Russian ports such as Novorossiysk and Anapa. During these operations, Ukraine has neutralized 28 Russian ships and one submarine.

Nevertheless, Odesa and other Ukrainian cities continue to endure missile strikes, particularly from Kalibr missiles launched by the Russian fleet from the Caspian Sea and Novorossiysk.

International participants expressed interest in the challenges of conducting business and trade amidst military aggression. They inquired about Ukraine’s efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and sustain agricultural exports to global markets.

During the discussion, participants commended Ukraine’s efforts to keep its seaports operational and emphasized the strategic importance of the grain corridor for global trade and food security.

The Second International Conference Crimea Global: Understanding Ukraine through the South will take place tomorrow in Kyiv, gathering experts and thought leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to discuss current challenges and prospects for collaboration with Ukraine. Stay tuned for updates on our platforms!