Chagall was from Vitebsk, Belarus, and painted this heartbreaking piece in the early 1940s to show the horrors of war. Notice the farm animals and trees in the painting, wreathed in waves of flame; many of Chagall’s works feature semi-pastoral, shtetl themes like animal husbandry and subsistence farming.
This image links to an article for more context into the work of Chagall.
Russia’s announced war aim of conquering Ukraine’s eastern regions and southern shores is hardly coincidental. These regions—including Ukraine’s section of the Black Sea, now mainly controlled by Russia—account for about half of Ukraine’s conventional oil, 72 percent of its natural gas, almost its entire coal production and reserves. (Reuters). The bulk of their critical minerals and rare earth metals are likewise found in Donetsk and other parts of Ukraine either occupied or threatened by Russia.
A number of crucial agricultural crops feeding global markets—including wheat, corn, barley, and sunflower oil—are harvested in eastern and southeastern Ukraine. The war has not only disrupted the production of these resources, but it has also shut down the supply of vital inputs, blocked export routes, and made future investment uncertain. Consider the map below, which shows areas of Russian military control in Ukraine, and compare them with the agricultural maps below. Notice the number of high production areas that are occupied or threatened by Russia.
Image Credit: USDA 
Image Credit: USDA
Ukraine has significantly climbed the ranks in grain exports over the last decade, and this year was aiming for No. 3 in wheat and No. 4 in corn in the world. (Reuters). However, the latest conflict with Russia has instilled fear in markets over whether Ukraine’s export efforts can succeed. The timing of this potential export disruption is poor since the world is still trying to recover from last season’s historic supply tightness and multiyear-high prices across all grains and oilseeds.
Global food security is of top concern if Ukraine’s exports are disturbed as much of its grains are destined for Middle East and African nations that depend heavily on imports. Recently, more than 40% of Ukraine’s annual corn and wheat shipments have headed to the Middle East or Africa. (Reuters). By comparison, less than 10% of the United States’ corn and wheat exports set out for those regions. (Reuters). Historic droughts in the Middle East and North Africa last year have exacerbated grain needs with rising domestic food prices and shortage fears.
Grain exports are a cornerstone of Ukraine’s economy. The country this year is expected to export more than three-fourths of its domestic corn and wheat crop. (Reuters). That compares with one-fifth for the United States. Additionally, Ukraine is increasingly important for oilseeds as it accounts for half of the world’s sunflower oil exports and is the No. 3 rapeseed exporter. (Reuters). Many global oilseeds, particularly vegetable oils, have hit record-high prices within the last year. This year, Ukraine is predicted to account for 12% of global wheat exports, 16% for corn, 18% for barley and 19% for rapeseed. Reuters).
As of last Friday, Ukraine’s grain exports since July 1 were up 28% from a year ago and up 6% from two years ago following a record 2021 harvest. (Reuters). The country’s wheat shipments usually peak in August or September, but more than half of Ukraine’s expected corn volume must be shipped in the next five months.
For a “boots-on-the-ground” perspective, this article from Brownfield Ag News presents a brief interview with a Ukranian farmer who outlines the obstacles to agriculture caused by the conflict.
The Ukranian Tractor Brigade
Image Credits: Amazon.com
Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, citizens have been actively sabotaging Russian advancement into the country. These acts of bravery range from men and women stepping into the path of tanks to a man carrying a land mine off the road with his bare hands. Farmers have put up a strong sabotage movement, stealing Russian military vehicles with their tractors. These images speak tribute to these farmers, deemed the Ukrainian Tractor Brigade, and to the strength of the Ukranian people. Slava Ukraini!