Ukraine’s defence minister has urged European allies to impose sanctions on Russia’s “shadow grain fleet”.
Moscow stole more than million tonnes of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories in 2025, Andrii Sybiha said on social media.
The harvest was then shipped to markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe by a fleet of 45 vessels using ports in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, he claimed.
Ukraine has already sanctioned 43 of the ships along with 39 captains.
Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine established itself as a key global grain supplier due to its ability to export the majority of what it grows.
“It is important to deploy all possible instruments, both national and international,” Sybiha said.
“All Russian infrastructure engaged 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.
“After all, this is not only a threat to global food security but also another source of funding for the Kremlin regime and its war machine.”