Food and the Ukraine

[gerald]

Is the Ukraine important?

How about food --

"The rich dark soil and the vast fields of wheat and other food products have earned Ukraine the nickname "bread basket of Europe."

According to the CIA World Factbook, Ukraine produced 25% of all agricultural output in the former Soviet Union. Today, Ukraine exports substantial amounts of grain, vegetables, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, milk and meat.

Exports (including non-food exports) go to Russia, 20%; the countries of the European Union, 17%; China, 7%; Turkey, 6%; and the U.S. 4%."

The Bread Basket of Europe | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/askeds/bread- ... z2xSmAQ9LN

Does Putin think he needs the Ukraine?---- hmmm

A side note, during WW2 Germany and the Soviets both felt they needed the Ukraine to feed their respective people and military.