Black Sea Conflict Disrupts Grain and Oil Supplies Amid Escalating Attacks
A surge in attacks on ships and ports in the Black Sea is disrupting global supplies of grain and oil, making it the latest strategic trade chokepoint affected by escalating conflict.
The region is a vital route for shipments of grain, crude oil, and refined products. Russia and Ukraine, which share the waters with Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Turkey, have intensified attacks on each other's agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in recent weeks.
Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, while Ukraine is a major agricultural exporter. Kyiv has ramped up attacks on tankers involved in Russia's oil trade, causing disruptions to major shipping routes.
Ukraine recorded 35 attacks on vessels in port and 22 at sea in July, along with 67 strikes on port facilities. By comparison, vessels were attacked 14 times in all of 2025.