By Ryan Hanrahan
Reuters’ Jonathan Saul reported that “a surge in attacks on ships, ports and export terminals in the Black Sea is disrupting global supplies of grain and oil, turning the region into the latest strategic trade chokepoint to be hit by escalating conflict.”
“The Black Sea is a vital route for shipments of grain, crude oil and refined products. Its waters are shared by Russia and Ukraine as well as Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania and Turkey,” Saul reported. “Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, and Ukraine, also a major agricultural exporter, have intensified attacks on each other’s agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea area in recent weeks. Kyiv has also ramped up attacks on tankers involved in Russia’s oil trade.”
“Ukraine recorded 35 attacks on vessels in port and 22 at sea in July, along with 67 strikes on port facilities, according to the infrastructure ministry,” Saul reported. “By comparison, vessels were attacked 14 times in all of 2025. Reuters estimates Ukraine has targeted dozens of tankers involved in Russia’s oil trade.”
“Agricultural products remain Ukraine’s largest source of export revenue more than four years into the war. Kyiv is seeking alternative export routes, but Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi told Reuters this week they would not reach full capacity until the end of August and would handle only about half the volumes normally shipped through Black Sea ports,” Saul reported. “Shipping activity in the Sea of Azov, which leads into the Black Sea, has been restricted since July 10, impacting activity at the major Russian grain port of Taman, trade sources said. Grain exports continue from Novorossiysk and Tuapse, but at a slower pace than before.”
Source : illinois.edu