UK Intelligence: Significant supplies of Ukrainian grain can't be exported

There has been no significant merchant shipping activity in or out of Odesa (southwestern Ukraine) since the start of the war. Russia's subsequent naval blockade of key Black Sea ports has deterred the commercial shipping industry from operating in the area, Report informs, citing the intelligence update of the British Defense Ministry.

"Ukraine's overland export mechanisms are highly unlikely to substitute for the shortfall in shipping capacity caused by the Russian blockade. As a result, significant supplies of Ukrainian grain remain in storage unable to be exported," the UK Defense Ministry tweeted.

"Fighting has already placed indirect pressure on global grain prices. While the threat of Russia's naval blockade continues to deter access by commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports, the resulting supply shortfalls will further increase the price of many staple products."