Ukraine must urgently reopen its ports to safeguard exports and the economy
Ukraine has no viable alternative to the Black Sea ports for exporting industrial and agricultural products, and the Danube routes and western border crossings can play only a supplementary role.
According to Serhiy Vovk, director of the Center for Transportation Strategies, claims that up to 75 percent of maritime cargo could be rerouted to other destinations are unfounded, as European infrastructure is not prepared to handle the monthly transportation of 5–6 million metric tons of Ukrainian goods.
The expert emphasized that November–December is a critical period for resolving the issue, as rising logistics costs threaten the upcoming planting season due to a lack of funds among agricultural producers. At the same time, the Ukrainian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce noted that a prolonged blockade of the ports could cost the state more than 10 percent of GDP and result in a loss of approximately $17 billion in export revenue.
The publication “UNIAN” reported this, citing a statement by the head of the Central Transport Service.
Ukraine has proposed that Russia agree to cease attacks on infrastructure, according to Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy warned Russia of a response to attacks on the energy sector.
