Russia declares emergency in key agricultural region
Photo: A state of emergency has been declared in the Rostov region of Russia due to problems with grain exports (Getty Images)
Yuri Slyusar, governor of Russia's Rostov region, has declared a regional state of emergency due to problems with grain exports, according to The Moscow Times.
The Rostov region accounts for nearly 10% of Russia's grain harvest. According to the agency, since mid-July, ports on the Sea of Azov, through which up to 1.5 million metric tons of grain were exported each month, have ceased operations due to drone attacks.
In August, the largest grain terminals on the Black Sea, which were hit by drones, also shut down.
Arkady Zlochevsky, president of the Russian Grain Union, stated that the situation for farmers looks very bad, and shipments in the Azov basin have completely ceased.
According to estimates by the SovEcon analytical center, more than 80% of Russia's grain export capacity has been paralyzed as a result of the port issues.
In August, wheat exports from Russia fell to 1.9 million metric tons—the lowest level in 16 years. Compared to August 2025, volumes dropped by a factor of 2.3, and compared to the average over the past five years, by a factor of 2.6.
The Russian Ministry of Agriculture is preparing for state grain purchases and is seeking alternative export routes, particularly through ports on the Arctic Ocean. However, industry representatives believe that there is currently no full-fledged replacement for the Black Sea routes.
Ukraine and Russia exports blow threatens to trigger global food crisis
Russia's war against Ukraine has entered a new phase of escalation with dangerous ripple effects far beyond Europe. One of the most pressing risks is a global grain supply crisis.
Ukraine struck all three grain terminals at the port of Novorossiysk, through which more than 40 percent of Russia's grain exports are shipped. Authorities have suspended exports until repairs are completed, according to the report.
Russia, in turn, has intensified its missile strikes on Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and has even sunk several ships heading for the largest port in Odesa. As a result, agricultural exports from both countries risk being significantly reduced or even completely halted.
Given the importance of both Russia and Ukraine to global food markets, this is a cause for deep concern.
