Russia Weighs Arming Grain Ships Amid Ukraine Drone Threat

Concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks on grain ships have led Russia to consider arming vessels with heavy machine guns and defensive measures, as disruptions to exports through the Sea of Azov threaten one of the country's most important trade routes.

The proposals include fitting bulk carriers with armour plating, sandbags, anti-drone mesh, and mounts for heavy machine guns. Military personnel armed with Kalashnikov rifles would accompany vessels during their initial voyage, while heavy machine guns equipped with thermal or night-vision sights would be installed before departure and removed after ships pass through the Kerch Strait.

The measures highlight growing concern over the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's multi-billion-dollar grain export industry. Wheat prices have risen to their highest level in two years, and the disruption is coming during the peak harvest season.