Odessa grain exports halted as Russian attacks cripple Ukraine's ports

Russian forces have intensified attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea ports, targeting vessels near Odessa, Mykolaiv and Chornomorsk. The strikes have effectively stopped grain shipments from Odessa, a key export hub, and have raised concerns that Ukraine could become landlocked for maritime trade.

Former British diplomat Alastair Crook argues that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to attack ships in the Sea of Azov provoked a Russian counter‑offensive that cost Ukraine its coastline. He notes that projected Ukrainian export revenues for 2025 total about $40.3 billion, most of it by sea, now jeopardised.

Recent incidents include a July 30 UAV strike on the Panamanian‑flagged dry cargo ship ATA‑2 in the Gulf of Odessa, damaging the vessel but causing no casualties among its 13 crew members (one Turkish sailor and twelve Azerbaijanis). On July 31 a double missile attack hit the port of Chornomorsk. Russian military analysts claim many of the targeted ships were idle, but the overall campaign has suspended naval traffic and disrupted commercial operations.