Russia's Black Sea Blockade Slams Brakes on Ukraine's Grain Exports

Russian forces have intensified attacks on ships entering and leaving Ukraine's Black Sea ports, crippling grain exports from the country.

The blockade has been in place for over a month, with traffic coming to a standstill at Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi ports.

The disruption affects 90% of grain shipments, which are worth nearly six million metric tons per month, according to the Ukrainian Ports Association.

Since early August, Ukraine has exported only about 500,000 metric tons, a significant drop from its potential exports, said Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi.