Russian Grain Exporters Warn Ukrainian Black Sea Attacks Could Disrupt 30 Million Tons of Wheat Exports and Trigger Global Food Crisis

Russia's Union of Grain Exporters and Producers told Reuters that continued Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian Black Sea ports and cargo vessels could cut Russian wheat exports by 30-35 million metric tons this season, roughly 15% of global wheat trade 12. The union said a Ukrainian drone attack inflicted "significant damage" on a grain terminal at Russia's port of Taman, and it warned that Ukraine's attacks, which it said began in July, could lead to a complete shutdown of Black Sea export corridors; Reuters separately reported the UN-brokered grain corridor established after February 2022 has already been effectively shut in recent weeks by Russian attacks 1. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces struck 31 Ukraine-linked ships, including 23 cargo ships and four bulk carriers, over the preceding week 13. The union projected free-on-board wheat prices could rise to $340-$370 per ton, potentially exceeding $400, with the Middle East and Africa most exposed given their reliance on Black Sea supplies 1. Ukraine's largest farming union, UAC, said Russian strikes near Odesa were restricting Ukrainian exports during the harvest period, and President Zelenskiy separately said Russian attacks on Black Sea shipping threatened global food security and urged European partners to help counter them 12.