Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Shipowners Halt Ukraine Black Sea Exports Amid Russian Attacks
Shipowners have stopped sending ships to Ukraine's Black Sea ports to export grain because of recent Russian attacks.
These attacks have made it too dangerous for ships to enter the ports.
Ukraine has lost about a third of its ability to export grain because of these attacks.
The Ukrainian government has asked for an urgent meeting with the United Nations Security Council to address the situation.
Russia says it is targeting port infrastructure and vessels that support the Ukrainian military.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is also attacking vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to isolate Russia-occupied Crimea.
Russia has also imposed a temporary nighttime ban on vessel movements in its biggest port, Novorossiysk.
Shipowners have temporarily suspended vessel arrivals at Ukraine's Black Sea ports for agricultural exports due to Russian attacks.
Ukraine has lost about a third of its grain export capacity because of Russian missile and drone attacks on ports.
Ukraine's agriculture minister, Taras Vysotskyi, stated that alternative routes and infrastructure are underutilized.
Ukraine has requested an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting to address the attacks on civilian cargo ships.
Russia has imposed a temporary nighttime ban on vessel movements in Novorossiysk port, its biggest port by volume.
- Who
- Ukrainian government, Russian government, shipowners, international traders
- What
- Suspension of vessel arrivals at Ukraine's Black Sea ports for agricultural exports due to Russian attacks
- When
- July 23, 2024
- Where
- Black Sea ports, Ukraine
- Why
- Increased Russian attacks on ports and merchant shipping, leading to heightened war-risk concerns
Ukraine and Allies
Russia
Attacks on Ports and Ships
Ukraine and Allies
Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting civilian cargo ships and port infrastructure, causing economic and humanitarian harm.
Russia
Russia claims it is hitting port infrastructure and vessels that support the Ukrainian military.
Export Routes and Security
Ukraine and Allies
Ukraine emphasizes the importance of the Black Sea shipping corridor for grain exports and requests international intervention.
Russia
Russia imposes temporary restrictions on vessel movements in Novorossiysk port, citing security concerns.
- Date
- July 23, 2024
- Location
- Black Sea ports, Ukraine
- Key Figures
- Taras Vysotskyi, Andrii Sybiha
- Impact
- Loss of about one-third of Ukraine's grain export capacity
- Recent Incident
- Russian missile strike on a ship carrying corn near Odesa, killing nine crew members
- UN Meeting Request
- Ukraine requests urgent UN Security Council meeting
- Russian Action
- Temporary nighttime ban on vessel movements in Novorossiysk port