Saudi Arabia has become a new importer of grain from occupied Crimea

Saudi Arabia has joined the list of countries importing grain under Western sanctions from the ports of occupied Crimea. This is evidenced by a joint investigation by Bellingcat and Lloyd’s List.

Using satellite imagery and AIS data, analysts tracked that the bulk carrier Krasnodar (IMO 9296781) left the Avlita terminal in Sevastopol twice — in September and November 2025 — and arrived at the King Abdullah Port and the Jazan Port in Saudi Arabia. Bellingcat confirmed both actions of the vessel.

Thus, Saudi Arabia became the next buyer of grain stolen from Ukraine. Before that, such cargoes were received by Iran, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela and areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthis.

During the voyages, the Krasnodar regularly turned off its AIS, which is considered a manipulation to hide the route. The vessel was repeatedly spotted at the Avlita terminal after returning to the Black Sea.

The vessel’s operator, the Russian company Petrokhleb-Kuban, said it “categorically denies” involvement in the export of Ukrainian grain and claims the vessel “is not operating at the port of Avlita.” However, satellite imagery from Planet Labs and Sentinel-2 refutes these claims.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, grain stolen