The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia was taking measures to minimise the impact of Ukrainian attacks on its grain exports, as global wheat buyers prepare for tighter supplies following a series of strikes on Black Sea ports and grain infrastructure.
Russia and Ukraine, both major global grain exporters, have exchanged attacks on ports and vessels in recent weeks. The strikes have disrupted grain terminals and forced shippers to delay or cancel the loading of dozens of cargoes during the peak export season.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said authorities had identified measures to ensure that Russian grain destined for international markets continued to reach buyers.
“Measures have been identified and will be further developed, ensuring that all grain intended for export is shipped on time and in full,” Peskov told reporters.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged last week that Russia was facing difficulties with agricultural exports but said the problems would be resolved. He also said Russia would continue to meet demand on international markets and that there would be no global grain shortages.
Putin estimated that Russia would have about 60 million tonnes of grain available for export during the current season.
Russian grain shipments are expected to increase to about 2.2 million metric tonnes in August, up from 1.95 million tonnes in July, according to agricultural consultancy Sovecon.
The disruptions come at a critical period for global grain markets, with importers closely monitoring developments in the Black Sea, one of the world’s most important agricultural export regions.
Further attacks on ports, vessels and storage facilities could increase shipping costs and reduce the availability of grain, potentially putting additional pressure on wheat prices and food-importing countries.
Russia remains one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, while Ukraine is also a major supplier to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The latest disruption has raised concerns among international buyers about whether exporters will be able to maintain the pace of shipments as the Black Sea conflict continues.
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