Russian Attacks Crush Ukraine's Grain Exports

Ukraine's grain exports have plummeted by 75% in the first two weeks of August compared to the same period last year, according to Ukrainian authorities. This drastic decline is largely due to Russian attacks on port infrastructure and vessels, which have nearly halted shipments through Black Sea ports during the height of the harvest season.

Russia has attacked Ukrainian port infrastructure over 70 times in July and early August, striking vessels 62 times, as reported by the Sea Ports Administration. Around 90% of Ukraine's wheat, maize, and sunflower seed exports pass through the Black Sea.

Grain storage facilities are filling up with the new harvest, with Ukraine expecting to harvest around 60 million tonnes of grain. The shortfall in storage capacity could reach 11 million tonnes. Farmer Serhii Rybalko told Reuters that his grain storage facility is already nearly full, even though the maize harvest will begin next month.

Rybalko emphasized the dire situation facing farmers: 'Everything has just stopped. Finances have ground to a halt. Revenue streams have dried up. There are no exports.' Without export revenue, farms will lack funds for fuel, wages, and autumn sowing. Rybalko needs to earn around UAH 20 million (approximately US$447,000) per month during the harvest to service loans and cover ongoing operations.