Blazes after Russia’s strikes on Odesa in southern Ukraine, April 11, 2026
EA-Ukraine VideoCast: What is the Meaning of “Glory to Ukraine”?
EA’s Cormac Smith joined Pakistan TV’s Sana Maqbool on Friday to analyze blockades of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, by both Ukraine and Russia, and their effect on global grain supplies.
Countering Russia’s invasion, Ukraine damaged or destroyed more than 200 Russian vessels this summer. Russia has attacked Ukrainian ports and shipping, including foreign-flagged vessels, to prevent exports from areas such as Odesa.
Cormac notes that Ukraine and Russia control nearly 35% of the world’s wheat exports, with particular significance for Africa and the Middle East: “This is threatening some of the poorest people on earth.”
He reminds viewers of the fundamental cause: “Russia could stop this war tomorrow and get out of Ukraine….This is a direct result of Russia’s illegal war.”
