Ukraine suffers from grain theft by the Russians

Russian occupiers continue large-scale looting of Ukrainian grain from temporarily occupied territories. It is known that the stolen grain is transported by trains from the Luhansk region to the ports of Iran.  

At the same time, according to the Centre for National Resistance, the situation with the harvest in the occupied part of Ukraine is critical. Official statements from the Russian authorities cite various reasons, but the real reason, in the opinion of experts, lies in the plundering of farms and grain elevators by Russian occupiers. 

It is noted that in August, according to preliminary data, Russia exported 6.8 million tons of key grain crops. In September, the invaders are expected to export up to 5.2 million tons of wheat. The forecast for September remains at the same level as August of this year, which is estimated at 5.2 million tons. Moreover, the August estimate was raised from 4.95 million tons against the backdrop of larger volumes being shipped from deep-water ports in the south, despite the suspension of supplies to Kazakhstan due to an import ban introduced in August. In August 2023, wheat shipments to foreign markets were at 5.4 million tons. 

Overall, according to the latest estimates, the losses of Ukrainian farmers since the beginning of the full-scale invasion have already exceeded 11 billion US dollars. The largest losses have been incurred due to the destruction and theft of agricultural machinery. Elevators, which are vital for grain storage, have also suffered significant damage, and the grain stored in these elevators has been destroyed or stolen by the occupiers. Currently, all losses are being carefully documented in the International Register of Damages. This is being done for the purpose of future compensation for the damages caused by the aggressor state. The Ukrainian authorities insist that Russia must bear full responsibility for the inflicted harm and compensate for all losses.