Russia forms shadow grain fleet, steals millions of tons from Ukraine - Ukraine's FM

"In 2025, Russia stole more than 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain from our temporarily occupied territories. Moscow shipped it to markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Nearly 40% was delivered to Egypt," Sybiha said.

He also stressed that to carry out this illegal trade, Russia used ports in the Azov and Black seas and created a shadow grain fleet.

"Our intelligence has already identified 45 vessels involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain and its transportation to global markets, and we have sanctioned 43 of them, as well as 39 captains. We are also tracking companies involved in this illegal trade. All of them will feel the impact of Ukrainian sanctions," the foreign minister added.

He also called on European partners to begin systematic counteraction against this Russian crime and the threat to global food security it poses.

"It is important to deploy all possible instruments, both national and international. We also expect more coordinated actions and efforts from the Frontex agency. All Russian infrastructure engaged in the theft of Ukrainian grain, as well as its buyers, must face European sanctions as soon as possible," Sybiha stressed.

The foreign minister concluded that Ukraine already has experience countering Russia's shadow tanker fleet, so now it is time to stop the expansion of Russia's shadow grain fleet as well.

"In 2026, the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Baltic Sea must get free of any Russian shadow fleets," he added.

Russian forces steal Ukrainian grain, partly ship it to Russia, and partly sell it to loyal foreign regimes. For example, it was earlier reported that the aggressor country exports grain from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Iran.

Ukraine has also warned of "harsh measures" against countries that buy stolen grain from Russia.