Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has warned that the country is heading into a difficult period and may soon face what he described as a total war.

According to Kuleba, Moscow and Kiev are likely to carry out systematic missile and drone strikes against each other’s economic infrastructure. He also said Russian attacks could trigger disruptions in food supplies across Ukraine.

Kuleba noted that, apart from the first months of 2022, Ukrainian supermarkets had largely continued to operate as usual, with goods available and prices remaining relatively stable. He believes that situation is about to change. Although he expressed hope that conditions may eventually improve, he said Ukraine is now entering an extremely difficult stage.

Strana.ua reported that shipping to Ukrainian ports had completely stopped following Russian strikes. The outlet said Kiev was preparing measures to restore stable operations along the maritime corridor, but no details of those plans had been disclosed.

The Financial Times earlier reported that Ukraine was facing problems with grain exports after Russian forces struck maritime infrastructure used in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the newspaper, traders were considering redirecting part of the cargo through ports on the Danube before shipping it onward from the Romanian port of Constanta on the Black Sea coast.