Russia Declares State of Emergency in Rostov Region Amid Grain Export Disruptions

A state of emergency has been declared in Russia's Rostov Region due to problems with grain exports via the Black Sea. The region is one of Russia's key agricultural areas, accounting for approximately 10% of the country's total grain harvest.

The Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar issued an order declaring a regional state of emergency effective July 10, 2026. This decision comes as grain intended for export is piling up at elevators due to port closures and disruptions to shipping in the Azov-Black Sea basin.

Russian authorities attribute these issues to attacks by Ukrainian forces on logistics infrastructure. Before the Azov Sea ports were closed, up to 1.5 million tons of Russian grain were exported through them monthly.