We will go after Russia’s shadow grain fleet and its enablers across all geographies.
According to available data, between January and April 2026 alone, 25 vessels from the Russian grain fleet made approximately 50 direct voyages from closed Ukrainian ports in the temporarily occupied territories to ports in third countries. Most of these trips were for the purpose of transporting illegal grain shipments.
During this period, over 850.000 tons of grain were exported from the occupied territories of Ukraine. More than 50% of this total was illegally transported from a single closed port in the city of Sevastopol. An additional 13% of the total volume was shipped from the Azov Sea ports of Mariupol and Berdiansk.
We know about the vessels, the companies, the owners, and other details. We see how Russia attempts to avoid responsibility by turning off transponders, spoofing coordinates, and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to conceal the illegal sale of stolen Ukrainian grain. We will not let this pass.
Ukraine has consistently addressed the issue of closed seaports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov within the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In particular, IMO Assembly Resolution A.1183(33) of December 4th, 2023, called upon Member States to inform their vessels, shipowners, ship operators, and insurance brokers of the need to refrain from violating the regime of closed seaports and to conduct investigations into alleged breaches of this regime.
Furthermore, Ukraine has its own very painful historical sensitivity to stolen grain. Our nation has experienced a genocide by hunger, the Holodomor, in which grain was taken away from our people. We warn all entities and nations that we will react strongly to any theft of our grain.
That is why Ukraine will step up its efforts to counter Russia's shadow grain fleet, initiating new sanctions in the EU, G7, and other jurisdictions on everyone involved in this theft and illegal trade. We will be working with partners to update relevant lists and ensure targeted and severe restrictions.