Cargo shipping in the Black Sea has virtually come to a standstill following a series of Russian strikes on civilian vessels and port infrastructure, Foreign Policy magazine reports.
According to the publication, if the situation does not improve before the new export season, the world could face a renewed food crisis.
Although the maritime corridor officially remains open, shipowners are reportedly refusing to send vessels along the route due to the threat of missile and drone attacks.
Citing Ukrainian officials, the magazine said Russia struck a total of 57 Ukrainian and foreign commercial vessels in ports and at sea during July. As a result, grain exports have fallen by nearly threefold, while maritime shipping costs have almost doubled.
The report notes that Black Sea ports serve as Ukraine's primary export route, handling around 90% of the country's agricultural exports, as well as a significant share of its metallurgical and mining products.
Ukraine's Ministry of Agriculture estimates that direct export revenue losses in 2026 will range between $1.5 billion and $3 billion.
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