Frequent thaws and frosts in Ukraine is affecting planted cereal’s ability to cope with winter conditions. Ukraine's National Agrarian Academy stated: “Changing temperature conditions, prolonged thaws, restoration of growth processes during overwintering - all this leads to ... reduction of winter hardiness of winter crops."

"Potential risks under changing weather conditions are quite high," the scientists added.

Winter wheat has traditionally represented approximately 95% of Ukraine's total wheat cultivation, with its yield contingent on favorable weather conditions spanning from autumn to late spring.

Scientists note that the latter part of December and the onset of January experienced unusually warm weather. However, this warmth has given way to severe frosts across almost the entire region.

The extent of winter wheat cultivation has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, with Ukrainian farmers planting around 4.2 million hectares for the 2024 harvest, as opposed to 4.5 million hectares the previous year.

First Deputy Minister of Ukraine, Taras Vysotskiy, mentioned in late 2023 that the country anticipated harvesting up to 20 million metric tons of winter wheat from the sown area. Notably, Ukraine had reaped over 22 million tons of wheat in the previous year.