Russian attacks cause 75% drop in grain exports from Ukraine
Ukrainian grain exports have fallen by 75% in the first two weeks of August compared with the same period last year, as Russian attacks have nearly halted shipments through Black Sea ports during the harvest season, Reuters reported on Aug 13.
Russia attacked Ukrainian port infrastructure more than 70 times in July and early August and struck vessels 62 times, according to Ukraine's Sea Ports Administration. Around 90% of Ukraine's wheat, corn and sunflower seed exports normally pass through the Black Sea. Meanwhile, storage facilities are filling with the new harvest, with Ukraine expecting around 60 million tonnes of grain and facing a potential storage shortfall of 11 million tonnes.
The disruption has pushed domestic grain prices sharply lower and left farmers struggling to finance operations, repay loans and prepare for autumn planting. Alternative export routes remain limited by low water levels on the Danube, Russian attacks on rail infrastructure and tighter EU trade conditions, while shipments through Poland face resistance from local farmers.
Moldova offers rail lifeline for Ukrainian food exports as Russia blocks Black Sea trade
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said that Moldova has agreed to help Ukraine export 600,000 metric tons of agricultural products by rail by the end of 2026,
The agreement comes as Russian attacks have disrupted Ukraine's Black Sea ports, forcing Kyiv to seek alternative export routes. Tofan described the deal as an example of "Solidarity lanes" helping Ukraine maintain access to regional markets, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said alternative routes are vital for Ukraine's resilience and global food security.
The European Commission said the Danube corridor remains the most promising alternative, although it is more limited and expensive for transporting grain than the major ports around Odesa. Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky has warned that storage capacity could run out from October if the disruption continues. Ukraine expects to harvest about 81.5 million metric tons of grain and oilseeds in 2026, with around 70% expected to be exported.
Poland is getting close to a decision on transferring more Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka stated that Poland is considering transferring another batch of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, with a decision expected in the coming days.
The Deputy said any weapons transfer must be assessed primarily in terms of Poland's own security. She added that a recent incident involving a Russian missile that entered Polish territory had influenced the government's assessment.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz is currently inclined to support another transfer, she said, arguing that it would be preferable for such missiles to be intercepted over Ukraine rather than reaching Polish territory.