Russia’s shadow grain fleet ships over 850 thsd tons of stolen Ukrainian grain in four months

Between January and April, 25 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow grain fleet carried out շուրջ 50 direct voyages from closed Ukrainian ports in temporarily occupied territories to ports in third countries. Most of these trips were aimed at transporting illegally obtained grain, according to Andrii Sybiha.

“During this period, more than 850,000 tonnes of grain were exported from the occupied territories of Ukraine,” Sybiha said. Over 50% of this volume was shipped from the बंद port of Sevastopol, while another 13% originated from ports in the Sea of Azov, namely Mariupol and Berdiansk.

Ukraine has gathered detailed information on the vessels involved, as well as the companies and owners behind them. According to the foreign minister, Russia is actively trying to evade responsibility by disabling transponders, falsifying location data, and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to conceal the origin of the stolen grain.

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine continues to raise the issue of closed ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov within the framework of the International Maritime Organization. He also pointed to Ukraine’s historical experience, recalling the Holodomor, when grain was forcibly taken from the population.

“We warn all countries and entities that Ukraine will respond firmly to any theft of our agricultural products,” the minister stressed, underscoring the seriousness of the issue at both national and international levels.

Ukraine plans to intensify its efforts to counter Russia’s shadow grain fleet and will push for new sanctions in the EU, the G7, and other jurisdictions. “We will work with partners to update relevant sanctions lists and ensure targeted and strict restrictions against all those involved in this theft and illegal trade,” Sybiha concluded.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, grain stolen