Russia exports more than 2 million tonnes of grain from occupied Ukrainian territories last year – intelligence

In 2025, Russia exported more than 2 million tonnes of grain from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and, concealing its true origin, shipped it mainly to Egypt and Bangladesh.

According to Ukrinform, this was stated by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

"Under the guise of Russian exports, the Russian Federation continues to export grain grown in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. To do this, it uses the capacity of the occupied ports in the Azov and Black Seas, first of all  the Sevastopol seaport," the statement said.

According to intelligence data, more than 2 million tonnes of grain crops grown in territories temporarily seized by Russia were exported in 2025. The largest part fell in the second half of the year, with about 1.4 million tonnes shipped.

In addition, the geography of export markets is expanding. A total of 53.6% of shipments went to Egypt (490,000 tonnes) and Bangladesh (250,000 tonnes). Supplies to Lebanon (78,100 tonnes) and Turkey (96,700 tonnes) increased. Grain exports to Syria (94,400 tonnes) were also resumed.

Agricultural products are delivered to Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, and in small volumes even to certain Balkan countries.

To circumvent sanctions, Russia carries out ship-to-ship operations in the roadstead transshipment area of Port Kavkaz using accumulator vessels.

"This allows Russia to conceal the real origin of the grain, and the carrier – to avoid measures in the ports of Ukraine and reduce the risk of accusations of illegal trade. This scheme is used to supply grain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam," the Foreign Intelligence Service noted.

As Ukrinform previously reported, Russian invaders have resumed maritime navigation in temporarily occupied Mariupol.