Why Russia Lifted Its Blockade of Ukraine in the Black Sea

Check out my new book “What Caused the Russia-Ukraine War“: You can also read it for free by signing up for a Kindle Unlimited trial at (These are affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission when you make a transaction through them. This means that even if you read for free, you are still supporting the channel.) On July 22, 2022, Ukraine and Russia signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Under the terms of the deal, Ukraine can now export grain and other agricultural products out of its ports without Russian interference. Ukrainian exports of wheat alone top $3.6 billion per year, making this a huge win for Kyiv. But will it hold up? Is this just a trick from Russia? Or are there good reasons for Putin to follow through on the deal out of his own self-interest? 0:00 Russia’s Blockade on Ukraine 0:59 How the Black Sea Grain Initiative Works 2:06 Is This a Russian Trap? 4:49 Initial Successes 5:54 Russia’s