Investing.com - In a recent development, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has put the extension of an international agreement aimed at addressing global food shortages at risk. The Black Sea Grain initiative, which was established in July 2022 to facilitate safe exports of grains and fertilizers from ports along the Black Sea, could be jeopardized by continued attacks on a crucial ammonia pipeline.
The governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region reported that Russian forces have repeatedly targeted this essential infrastructure. Spanning approximately 2,470 kilometers (1,534 miles) from Russia's Togliatti on the Volga River to three Black Sea ports, this pipeline is considered the world's longest and has been non-operational since February 2022 due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Fortunately, no leakage resulted from two separate shelling incidents near Masiutivka village and Zapadne village. Oleh Sinehubov, Kharkiv region governor, reassured residents through Telegram that there were currently no threats to public health or safety.
However, if these aggressive actions persist and further damage occurs to the pipeline infrastructure before its reopening next month for grain exportation under the Black Sea Grain initiative agreement; it may severely impact efforts towards resolving worldwide food crises.