Intelligence identified 45 vessels involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain
15.01.2026 - 12:30
In total, Russia stole more than 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied territories in 2025.
Moscow shipped it to markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Almost 40% was delivered to Egypt, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said.
To carry out this illegal trade, Russia used ports in the Azov and Black Seas and created a “shadow” grain fleet.
Intelligence has already identified 45 vessels involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain and its transportation to world markets. Sybiga added that Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 43 of them, as well as 39 captains. Ukraine is also tracking companies involved in this illegal trade.
Sybiga called on European partners to begin a systematic counteraction to this Russian crime and the threat to global food security that such actions pose.
“It is important to use all possible tools, both national and international. We also expect more coordinated actions and efforts from the Frontex agency. All Russian infrastructure involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain, as well as its buyers, must face European sanctions as soon as possible. We already have experience in countering Russia’s shadow tanker fleet. Now it is time to stop the expansion of Russia’s shadow grain fleet as well,” the minister stressed.
Earlier, USM reported that Saudi Arabia is importing stolen grain from the occupied Crimea.
