Russia reroutes metal exports to Arctic port to escape Ukrainian attacks, media reports
Illustrative photo: Russia to export metal through an Arctic port (collage by RBC-Ukraine)
For the first time since 1996, Russia will export metal through the Arctic port of Murmansk to avoid Ukrainian strikes on Russian ships in the Black Sea, reports the Financial Times.
Russia plans to ship more than 65,000 tons of metal through Murmansk to the Mediterranean Sea. To facilitate this, pig iron was transported to the port in more than 180 railway cars.
Türkiye is the likely destination for the cargo, as the European Union banned imports of Russian pig iron starting January 1, 2026.
Using the new route significantly increases transportation costs. Shipping metal from Murmansk to Türkiye takes approximately 10 days longer than transporting it through the Black Sea.
Transportation costs are almost twice as high. According to the media, some Russian carriers have to pay an additional approximately $100 for each ton of cargo.
Previously, Russia exported pig iron through the port of Novorossiysk. The last such shipment took place on July 31.
The shift to alternative routes is linked to the danger of shipping in the Black Sea due to attacks by both sides.
According to analysts, more than 700 attacks on Russian and Ukrainian vessels have been recorded in the region since the beginning of 2026 alone.
The port of Murmansk was previously used primarily for exporting Russian oil. Now, amid threats in the Black Sea, Russians have also begun rerouting metal and grain shipments through the port.
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said that Kyiv expects several countries to urge Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the Black Sea. This is mainly about countries that depend on exports through the sea.
A few days ago, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler reiterated Ankara's call for Ukraine and Russia to stop attacks in the Black Sea. He threatened "legal measures" in the event of strikes on vessels linked to Türkiye.
