A report by UNCTAD on the trade and development impact of the war in Ukraine highlighted that Russia and Ukraine form a key component of the Eurasian Land Bridge. Restrictions on Russian air space, contractor uncertainty and security concerns, all impact both land and air cargo shipments between Asia and Europe.

“While Russian airspace is closed to 36 countries and vice versa, some freight forwarders currently recommend not booking overland shipments between Asia and Europe,” UNCTAD said.