Ukraine vows to keep grain exports flowing despite Russian strikes on ports
Photo: The Ukrainian government vows to maintain Ukraine's grain exports (Getty Images)
Ukrainian authorities will do everything possible to protect the country's seaports and keep grain exports at least at last season's level, according to Reuters.
Government's position
Deputy Economy Minister Taras Vysotskiy said the government recognizes that supporting agricultural exports remains a top priority.
"It will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to preserve minimum guaranteed export volumes to support international food security at a level no lower than last year," he said.
Current export volumes
Before the latest attacks, Ukraine had forecast grain exports of about 43 million metric tons for the 2026/27 season, which began in July. Last season, the country exported more than 37 million tons.
According to the Ukrainian Agrarian Council (UAC), the country's main farmers' association, Ukraine has already lost about one-third of its Black Sea grain export capacity due to intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.
Situation at the ports
An industry source told Reuters that four of Ukraine's 13 major grain export terminals have suspended grain purchases because of the attacks. Another source said some shipowners are refusing to enter Ukrainian ports over fears of further strikes.
Local officials also reported that Russia had once again targeted port infrastructure in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.
Why exports matter
More than four years after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, agricultural exports, including grain and vegetable oils, remain Ukraine's largest source of foreign currency revenue. More than 90% of these exports are shipped through three ports in the southern Odesa region.
Both Moscow and Kyiv are increasingly targeting each other's key sources of revenue. Ukrainian forces have struck Russian energy infrastructure, including oil tankers, while Russia has intensified attacks on Black Sea ports in recent weeks.
As previously reported by RBC-Ukraine, following Russia's large-scale attacks between July 10 and 12, agricultural giant Kernel suspended operations at its export terminal in the port of Chornomorsk.
The attacks damaged grain silos, sunflower oil storage tanks, and port equipment. At the time of the strikes, cargo vessels flying the flags of China and other countries were being loaded at the port.
On July 14, Russia again struck commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Among those killed was the captain of one of the ships.
