Saudi Arabia imports grain from occupied Crimea: investigation data.

According to ТСН: Saudi Arabia has become a new importer of grain from occupied Crimea despite Western sanctions. Exports continue in defiance of international restrictions and efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Journalists and analysts, including from Bellingcat and Lloyd's List, have confirmed this information based on satellite images and data from the Automated Identification System (AIS).

Investigation details

The investigation revealed that the vessel Krasnodar made two trips from the Avliti grain terminal in Sevastopol to Saudi Arabia: the first trip ended in September 2025 in the port of King Abdullah, and the second in November in the port of Jazan.

Thus, Saudi Arabia has joined other countries that import grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including Iran, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, and areas of Yemen controlled by Houthis.

Tracking difficulties

In August and October, the vessel turned off its AIS several times, complicating the monitoring of its movements. Bellingcat confirmed that Krasnodar was at the Avliti terminal in Crimea during the absence of the signal. Unique visual features of the vessel - a dark blue chimney with white stripes, five gray hatches, and a red deck - confirm satellite image data.

The vessel is leased by the Russian company "Petrokhleb-Kuban", which denies accusations of illegal grain exports. They claim that loading occurred only from Russian supplies, however, satellite data contradicts these statements.

Export situation

Export trips to Saudi Arabia demonstrate that Russia is expanding its grain sales channels from Crimea, using ports as strategic logistics hubs. Previously, before 2022, small volumes were shipped from these ports, but after the occupation of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, exports have significantly increased.

Ukraine is also urging the international community not to buy grain from occupied Crimea. The First Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Aliona Shkrum, reported that this issue was discussed with the Saudi Arabian authorities, and Kyiv received assurances that the country's authorities oppose the activities of the shadow fleet and violations of international maritime law.

Maritime security expert Ian Ralby emphasized the strategic significance of Crimean ports for Russia. He noted that control over them is critically important for future peace negotiations and economic development of the region, as well as for ensuring strategic maritime routes.

It was previously reported that in Odesa, the Security Service of Ukraine detained a foreign bulk carrier that was part of the so-called "shadow fleet" of the Russian Federation and illegally transported Ukrainian agricultural products from temporarily occupied Crimea.

Thus, the situation surrounding the export of grain from Crimea remains tense, and the international community continues to monitor developments, hoping for the possibility of resolving the conflict. Efforts by Ukraine and other countries to stop this illegal business continue, and the importance of control over maritime routes, as noted by experts, is becoming increasingly relevant.