Russia Shifts Grain Exports North Amid Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Russian grain exporters are shifting their focus to Baltic Sea ports after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted trade through the Black and Azov Seas.

The strikes have led to the most serious disruptions to trade in the region since the start of the war over four years ago, with Russia and Ukraine targeting export terminals and ships carrying grain.

In the last export season from July 2025 to June 2026, 46.3 million tons of Russian grain were exported through the Black and Azov Sea ports, accounting for about 90% of all seaborne grain exports. However, interest in the northern route is growing sharply.

Russian companies are exploring the possibilities of using ports in the Baltic states, especially in Latvia, which is a member of the European Union and NATO.