Germany Urges Russia To Halt Black Sea Attacks, Warns Of Food Crisis In Africa

According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Germany has called on Russia to stop attacking civilian vessels in the Black Sea and accept a ceasefire covering maritime shipments, warning that continued strikes could deepen food insecurity in Africa and undermine Moscow’s standing among countries in the Global South.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the appeal during a joint news conference in Berlin with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova on Wednesday, following discussions on regional developments and security in the Black Sea.

Wadephul expressed concern that attacks on civilian vessels, particularly those carrying grain, could disrupt essential food supplies and expose vulnerable populations to hunger.

He stressed that the consequences of the attacks extended beyond the immediate conflict, with African countries and other parts of the Global South potentially bearing the burden of disrupted agricultural shipments.

“If Russia continues these attacks, it does so at the expense of people in the Global South — primarily people in Africa,” he said. “These people are suffering as a result, and they face the threat of hunger.”

The German foreign minister also cautioned Moscow against further expanding military hostilities into the Black Sea, noting that such actions could damage the country’s remaining international reputation in the region.

He emphasised that civilian shipping routes in the Black Sea were vital for transporting agricultural products to international markets, making attacks on such vessels a source of concern for countries dependent on imported food.

“Russia will need to be very careful not to lose what remains of its reputation in this region by once again expanding the theater of war in the Black Sea,” Wadephul said.

He renewed Germany’s demand for a ceasefire covering civilian maritime traffic, particularly vessels transporting grain to countries that rely on imports to meet their food needs.

Wadephul further disclosed that Black Sea countries were prepared to engage Russia and Ukraine in discussions aimed at protecting civilian vessels, ensuring safe passage and preventing interruptions to grain exports.

According to the minister, Russia must now decide how to balance its national interests with its relationships with countries across the Global South, especially given the potential human cost of continued attacks.

“It is now up to Russia to show whether it is willing to weigh its relations with the countries of the Global South and its own interests in a way that can save lives,” he said.

Germany’s appeal reflects growing international concern about the humanitarian consequences of attacks on Black Sea shipping, particularly the risks they pose to global food supplies and vulnerable populations in Africa.

BigNewsNG feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com