Russia Considers Arming Grain Ships Amid Ukraine Drone Attacks

Russia is considering arming its grain ships with machine guns and mobile missile launchers to counter Ukrainian drone attacks in the Azov Sea.

The proposal, which includes installing armor plating, sandbags, anti-drone mesh, and heavy machine guns on bulk carriers, has been met with skepticism among some shippers and traders who question its effectiveness.

Russia's military and transport authorities are in talks with grain traders and shipowners to protect cargoes leaving through the Sea of Azov, which normally handles about a quarter of Russia's grain shipments.

The suspension of trade due to Ukrainian drone attacks has resulted in significant losses for Russia, with market researcher SovEcon estimating that the country could lose 0.5 million to 1.5 million tons of grain exports per month if Azov Sea shipping restrictions remain.