Russia Exports 60,000 Tons of Stolen Grain From Occupied Mariupol

The Mariupol City Council reported that eight vessels have transported looted grain from the occupied port since January, as Russia moves to transform the site into a primary regional logistics hub. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A pile of maize grains is seen on the pier at the Izmail Sea Port, Odesa region, on July 22, 2023. (Photo by AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian forces have exported nearly 60,000 tons of stolen Ukrainian wheat from the occupied port of Mariupol since the beginning of 2026. According to data from the Mariupol City Council, which cited occupational authorities, eight cargo ships have departed the port with grain shipments since January. Local officials stated that the Mariupol sea port has been transformed into a tool for plundering occupied territories and a vital element of Russian military logistics. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . In addition to grain, the invaders are reportedly using the port to export stolen metal and other cargo. The Kremlin has reportedly developed a “development strategy” for the seized port through 2040, aiming to increase the lifting capacity of vessels from the current 3,000-10,000 tons to 25,000 tons. This expansion is intended to solidify Mariupol as a primary logistics center for Russia’s operations in occupied Ukraine. The report comes as Kyiv intensifies its global campaign against Russia’s “shadow grain fleet.” President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced a systematic framework – synchronized with US and EU sanctions – to track and penalize vessels transporting looted agricultural products. This diplomatic pressure recently saw success in Israel, where the importer Tzanifer rejected the vessel Panormitis following allegations that i ts cargo of 6,200 tons of wheat was stolen from occupied Ukrainian territories . Other Topics of Interest Peru Investigates Human Trafficking of Citizens Recruited for Russia’s War Prosecutors in Lima are investigating a scheme that lured hundreds of Peruvians with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia, only to force them into frontline combat in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials estimate that over 850,000 tons of stolen grain, worth tens of millions of dollars, were exported from occupied ports in the first four months of 2026 alone. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.