Novorossiysk: At least five grain ships were attacked near the Russian Black Sea ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse, as Moscow struggles to maintain grain exports amid escalating Ukrainian strikes, according to people familiar with the matter. Russia and Ukraine have intensified their attacks on each other’s commercial vessels and ports in the Black Sea region, raising concerns about global grain supplies. The two countries account for more than a quarter of global wheat exports, and the attacks come in the middle of this year’s harvest season.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, these are the first confirmed attacks on grain ships serving the affected Russian ports. Moscow has sought to downplay the extent of the damage, as a growing number of ship owners become more wary of the risks of docking at its ports. Four ships were hit on Tuesday, according to the people, who requested anonymity because the information is private. They added that a fifth ship was hit last Monday.

The Victoria V, a Russian-flag
ged bulk carrier capable of carrying 7,000 tons of grain, was attacked in Novorossiysk, where it was scheduled to load a shipment of wheat. The Veho, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, was also attacked after leaving the same port with a cargo of wheat. According to sources, the ship was able to continue its voyage.

The Elena B, sailing under the Maltese flag, was also attacked after loading approximately 56,000 tons of wheat in Novorossiysk and is now heading towards the Bosphorus Strait. The Nesip, a San Marino-flagged bulk carrier, was attacked by drones in the port of Tuapse, where it was scheduled to load approximately 20,000 tons of wheat. A fifth vessel was also attacked on Monday. The Liberian-flagged vessel Anna S was en route to Novorossiysk to load barley when a drone strike caused a fire on board, rendering it unable to continue its voyage, according to sources.

The ship’s managers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Since July 10, drone attacks have completely halted shipments
from Russian ports on the Sea of Azov, which account for a quarter of the country’s grain exports. Last week, three terminals at the deep-water port of Novorossiysk suspended operations following one of the most intense attacks since the start of the war.