Stolen Ukrainian Grain: Over 2 Million Tons Diverted by Russia to Key Importers.

Grain Exports from Occupied Ukrainian Territories

According to UATV: Russia continues to export grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, utilizing seized ports on the Azov and Black Seas. As of January 17, 2025, more than 2 million tons of grain have been removed from these areas. The majority of this export, approximately 1.4 million tons, occurred in the second half of 2025. This practice is part of a broader pattern of resource extraction by the occupying forces.

Export Volumes and Destination Countries

According to the data, 53.6% of the export volume was directed to the following countries:

• Egypt - 490 thousand tons
• Bangladesh - 250 thousand tons
• Lebanon - 78.1 thousand tons
• Turkey - 96.7 thousand tons
• Syria - 94.4 thousand tons

It is noted that Russia employs 'ship-to-ship' transfer schemes to circumvent sanctions, which complicates monitoring of these operations. This method is a known tactic for obscuring the origin of goods.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that last year Russia stole more than 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain.

This situation raises significant concerns, as the continued export of grain from occupied territories not only harms the Ukrainian economy but also threatens regional food security.

The Russian export of grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories is causing serious international alarm. This process undermines food security foundations not only in Ukraine but also in other countries importing this grain. The use of sanctions-evasion schemes makes controlling these operations extremely difficult, potentially leading to further escalation of the conflict and Russia's international isolation. This situation underscores the necessity for active efforts by the global community to support Ukraine and prevent the illegal export of its resources.