How are Russian attacks affecting Ukraine's grain exports?

Russian attacks on Ukraine's ports have reduced export capacity, leading to defaults and lower shipments of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil.

What is the current status of Ukraine's key export ports?

At least one of Ukraine's three key export ports is reported to be idle or operating at only 20% capacity due to intensified Russian attacks.

Will Ukraine's food exports decline significantly due to port attacks?

Yes, the Ukrainian Agri Council estimates a significant decline in exports without access to deep water and river ports due to ongoing Russian assaults.

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Ukraine Ports Under Fire: Grain Exports Plummet

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Russian attacks on Ukraine's ports have severely reduced export capacity this month.
Wheat, corn, and sunflower oil exports are significantly lower than contracted amounts.
Logistics routes to Danube River ports have also been damaged, impacting trade.

Ukraine Ports Under Fire: Grain Exports Plummet

Intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's vital port infrastructure this month have already negatively impacted the nation's food exports. The Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) reported a surge in drone and missile strikes on Odesa region ports, significantly reducing export capacity.

Consequently, some wheat exporters have defaulted on contracts, and at least one major export port is operating at a fraction of its capacity. Damaged logistics routes to Danube River ports further exacerbate the situation, affecting alternative export channels that had helped compensate for earlier war-related blockades.

As of December 22, wheat exports stood at 375,000 metric tons out of 1 million contracted, corn at 1.5 million out of 2 million, and sunflower oil at 275,000 out of 410,000. These figures represent a sharp decline compared to December of the previous year, indicating a significant threat to Ukraine's trade and global food supply.