Russia Stole Over 2 Million Tons of Grain From Temporarily Occupied Ukrainian Territories in 2025 – Foreign Ministry

Ukrainian intelligence has identified 45 vessels involved in stealing Ukrainian grain and shipping it to global markets.

Russia stole over 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories in 2025.

Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha announced this in a statement, the CFTS portal reports.

According to Sybiha, shipments were made to markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with nearly 40% of the stolen grain delivered to Egypt.

Russia conducted this illegal trade through ports in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, creating a so-called shadow grain fleet.

“Ukrainian intelligence has already identified 45 vessels involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain and its transportation to global markets, and we have imposed sanctions on 43 of them, as well as on 39 captains,” Sybiha said.

Companies involved in this illegal trade are also being tracked.

“All Russian infrastructure involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain, as well as its buyers, must face European sanctions as soon as possible. We already have experience countering Russia’s shadow tanker fleet. Now it is time to stop the expansion of the shadow grain fleet as well,” said the Ukrainian foreign minister.