US does not rule out ‘military solutions’ to ensure Ukrainian grain exports – WSJ

The United States is considering various options to ensure grain exports from Ukraine after the collapse of the grain deal, including a “military” option to protect ships, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, August 15.

The article says that the United States is discussing with Turkey, Ukraine and its neighbors the expansion of alternative routes for Ukrainian grain exports. The plan, which is supported by Washington, envisages that by October Ukraine could export 4 million tons of grain per month via the Danube. Much of the grain will be shipped down the river and across the Black Sea to nearby Romanian ports, and then transported to other destinations. According to the WSJ, “although slower and more expensive, this route could be an alternative to the Black Sea Corridor.”

The newspaper notes that this approach of the United States shows that it, together with Ukraine and its European partners, is preparing for a scenario in which the aggressor country Russia does not return to the grain deal in time for the export of the Ukrainian 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 said, but declined to specify those options or say which countries would be involved,” the article says.

According to American officials, they are discussing how to improve the efficiency of the Danube route, including allowing larger ships to pass through, freeing up space for anchorage, etc. But Erin Elizabeth McKee, head of USAID’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, said earlier that these efforts will not replace the Black Sea ports and are only a “temporary alternative.” The Danube route remained the only way to export grain through the Black Sea after Russia disrupted the grain deal.

Tags: Ukraine, export, grain