Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism following an escalation of drone attacks on shipping vessels in the Sea of Azov, a critical route for approximately a quarter of Russia's grain exports. Ukrainian drone forces reported hitting 11 Russian vessels overnight, including five tankers, five dry cargo vessels, and a tugboat.
Industry sources, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that several grain ships were hit on July 13 and July 14 and subsequently caught fire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described Ukraine's actions as exceeding piracy, stating the goal was to cause damage and intimidate. "It is terrorism, pure and simple," Lavrov said.
A Ukrainian military source, however, asserted that the armed forces strike only military targets or those that enhance Russia's combat capabilities. "Civilian cargoes are not among them," the source stated, suggesting Russia's claims are a pretext for strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
Shipping in the Sea of Azov remained restricted on Tuesday, according to sources. The sea, located at the mouth of the Don River, is primarily used by smaller, coastal vessels. A source indicated that commercial vessels were unable to enter or leave the Sea of Azov via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don channel connecting the sea with the Don River.
Russia has increased its strikes on Ukrainian Black Sea ports since late last year, which Ukrainian officials estimate could reduce monthly grain export capacity in the Odesa region by as much as one-third. Despite the disruptions, the Russian Agriculture Ministry acknowledged that exports might be diverted to other routes. The ministry stated that supply logistics would be redirected if necessary, potentially through deep-water grain terminals on the Black Sea or Baltic Sea ports, though some of these have also been targeted by Ukrainian drones.
Russia's Union of Grain Exporters and Producers stated that the country would fully meet its grain export commitments to foreign partners. Local authorities in Rostov, a major grain-producing region, are working to minimize the impact of temporary logistical challenges on the sale of the new harvest by farmers.