Russia's Black Sea Port Blitz Targets Ukraine's Grain Exports

Ukraine's Black Sea ports have been under attack by Russia in an effort to disrupt grain exports and undermine Ukraine's revenue. This latest barrage is more intense than previous waves of attacks, with both missiles and drones being used to target the ports.

The attacks have caused a shortage of air-defense interceptors for Ukraine, making it difficult to protect its cities and military supply lines. The country relies on limited supplies of American-supplied Patriot interceptors to defend against Russian missiles, but shifting these to protect ports would be expensive and dangerous.

Russia's goal is not only to disrupt Ukraine's economy but also to drive up global food prices by cutting off a significant source of grain imports for countries like Egypt and Indonesia. Putin hopes that this will persuade Ukraine's trade partners in Europe to pressure Kyiv to de-escalate its attacks inside Russia, but European support for Ukraine remains strong.

Ukraine may be able to move grain through the Danube via Romanian ports and by rail, but these diversions are costly and logistically complicated. The economic damage from the port closures will continue to be felt beyond Ukraine and Russia, with global food prices likely to rise as a result.