Russia's Black Sea Blockade Threatens Ukraine's Grain Exports

Russian strikes on Ukraine's ports and ships in the Black Sea have threatened grain exports from the country.

The sea route is currently blocked, with no alternative routes available. The attacks have intensified since summer 2026, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties and damage to commercial vessels.

According to Pavel Koval, Director General of the Ukrainian Agrarian Federation, nearly 90% of agricultural exports are carried out by sea, making Ukraine's dependence on this route enormous. The port of Odessa provides over 56% of all Ukrainian exports, with nine out of ten tons of agricultural products being exported by sea.

Koval notes that the loss is already significant, as domestic grain prices in Ukraine are falling, while international prices are rising. He estimates that wheat is now sold directly from the fields at a price of around 6,000 hryvnias (about 117 euros) per ton including VAT, which could result in direct losses for producers if the yield is low due to spring frosts and winter cold.