Russian grain exports diverted to Baltic Sea amid Black Sea drone attacks

grain exports Black Sea Baltic Sea drone attacks maritime trade

Russian grain exporters are increasingly diverting shipments from the Black and Azov Seas toward the Baltic Sea. This shift is a response to Ukrainian drone attacks targeting export terminals, ships, and port infrastructure in the Black Sea region, which has caused significant disruptions to maritime trade.

In the previous export season, Russia utilized Black and Azov Sea ports for approximately 90% of its maritime grain exports, totaling 46.3 million tons. In contrast, Baltic Sea ports accounted for only about 1 million tons. However, current data shows a significant rise in activity; rail transport requests to Russian Baltic Sea ports reached 5 million tons by mid-August for the current season.

Analysts and industry representatives note that exporters are also looking toward Baltic Sea ports in neighboring countries, particularly Latvia, to facilitate trade. While the Baltic route cannot fully replace the capacity of the Black Sea, experts predict a sharp increase in transport volumes through the region starting in September. Meanwhile, Turkish diplomacy continues to seek a revival of the grain corridor agreement between Russia and Ukraine to stabilize Black Sea shipping.

Entities

Latvia · Russia · Russian Grain Union · Sovecon · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Rail transport requests to Russian Baltic Sea ports reached 5 million tons by August 18 for the current season. jauns.lv · www.seznamzpravy.cz · hnonline.sk
[● 4 SOURCES] Ukrainian drone attacks on ports, terminals, and ships in the Black and Azov Seas are driving the diversion. jauns.lv · www.seznamzpravy.cz · hnonline.sk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Turkey is working to revive the grain corridor agreement between Russia and Ukraine. www.seznamzpravy.cz
[● 3 SOURCES] A rapid increase in transport volumes through Baltic countries and Russian Baltic ports is expected in September. jauns.lv · hnonline.sk
[● 2 SOURCES] Russian grain exports through Baltic countries could reach between 5 and 10 million tons this season. jauns.lv
[● 4 SOURCES] In the previous export season (July 2025 to June 2026), Russia exported 46.3 million tons of grain via Black and Azov Sea ports, representing 90% of its total maritime exports. jauns.lv · www.seznamzpravy.cz · hnonline.sk