Ukraine: the Daily Struggle for Demining the Largest Black Soils in Europe
Ukraine was one of the world's largest wheat exporters before the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. For the second year, Russian forces systematically destroy all Ukrainian black soil, including mining thousands of kilometers of Ukrainian land, according to US analysts.
This is outlined in the report of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on demining Ukrainian fields and restoring agriculture.
According to the published study, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine, the agricultural sector in Ukraine has suffered at least $40.2 billion in losses.
CSIS analysts emphasize that a significant portion of the ongoing combat occurs directly on agricultural lands, endangering Ukraine's agrarian potential.
"War-related damage to Ukraine’s farmland includes craters and other physical destruction from munitions attacks; possible chemical contamination from munitions, fuel spills, shell remnants, and human remains; and depressions from armed vehicle tracks," the report states.
Unexploded ordnance and extensive placement of landmines pose a separate threat.
In peak days, the Russian army fired 40,000 to 60,000 shells at Ukrainian positions. Simultaneously, up to 20% of the discharged munitions do not detonate, remaining in Ukrainian soil. According to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Ruslan Strilets, Ukraine is currently the most mined country globally, with 25-35% of its territory affected.
In their report, CSIS underscores that the reconstruction and investment in Ukraine's agriculture are crucial for both the country's economic recovery and global food security, as well as countering Russia's influence.
The report also notes that Russian invasion has restricted access to fertilizers, even for Ukrainian farmers in relatively safe areas, significantly reducing productivity and threatening future harvests.
Therefore, researchers suggest that Western partners of Ukraine should support the restoration of Ukrainian nitrogen fertilizer production capacities within the country.
Previously, the Global Rights Compliance Organization published a report revealing evidence that Russia systematically planned the looting of Ukrainian grain and a "hungry blockade."
According to researchers, Russia planned to seize about 12 thousand tons of grain per day, with a total value of one billion dollars per year. The proceeds from the stolen goods were intended to fund the war in Ukraine.