Ukrainian wheat exports are facing severe challenges as maritime logistics become more complex and costly following Russian attacks on ports and infrastructure. Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food said on 11 August 2026 that Kyiv was working to maximise the use of alternative routes through European Union countries, including railways, roads and European ports.
Export difficulties have prompted Ukraine to intensify its search for routes through Romania, Poland and other countries under the “European Solidarity Lanes” initiative, with the aim of maintaining the flow of agricultural products to foreign markets and easing bottlenecks affecting maritime transport.
Polish ports and the Danube route
Ukraine and Poland have discussed expanding alternative routes for agricultural exports, including the use of the ports of Gdansk, Szczecin, Swinoujscie and Gdynia, as well as increasing rail and road transit capacity and streamlining customs, border, veterinary and phytosanitary procedures.
On 29 July 2026, representatives of Ukraine, the European Commission, Moldova and Romania discussed strengthening the “Solidarity Lanes”, increasing the capacity of ports in the Danube region, and removing administrative and infrastructure-related bottlenecks along major transport corridors.
“Our main objective is to maximise the use of logistical capacity for the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.”
Storage and financing pressures
The export crisis is adding to pressure on crop-storage capacity and farmer financing. Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food estimated that the storage-capacity shortfall by November would range from 7.5–8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes, warning that disrupted exports could limit liquidity available for autumn agricultural operations and the spring sowing season.
