Russia Wages War on Ukraine's Grain Exports with Wave of Black Sea Attacks

Russia's attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea have escalated to alarming levels, with at least 52 ships targeted in just six weeks. According to Ukraine's Minister for Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport, Mykola Kalashnyk, some of these vessels were carrying food and other cargoes to or from Ukrainian ports, while others were attacked while in port.

The attacks pose a direct threat to Ukraine's agricultural exports, with grain accounting for more than half of the cargo transported through the Ukrainian Sea Corridor. The minister warned that systematic attacks on vessels and port infrastructure threaten not only the corridor but also international supply chains and global food security.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on July 19, when the GOLDEN LEO was attacked while leaving the port of Chornomorsk with over 6,000 tons of corn. Nine of its 17 crew members and a pilot were killed, while two other seafarers were injured.