Kremlin Vows to Limit Impact of Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Grain Exports

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia is taking measures to limit the impact of Ukrainian strikes on the country's grain exports, as global wheat importers prepare for a tighter supply picture. He told reporters that measures have been identified and will be developed further to ensure all grain intended for export is shipped on time and in full, though he gave no additional details.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major grain exporters, and in recent weeks each side has struck the other's ports and vessels in the Black Sea. These attacks have closed grain terminals and forced shipping companies to delay or cancel loading for dozens of cargoes, hitting during the peak of the export season.

Putin's assurances

Last week, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia was facing difficulties with its agricultural exports but said officials would work to fix them. He also pledged that there would be no shortages on global markets, estimating that Russia would have about 60 million metric tons of grain available for export this season.

According to the Sovecon consultancy, Russian grain exports are expected to rise to 2.2 million tons in August, up from 1.95 million tons in July.