Madyar urged traders not to buy Russian grain
Robert Brovdi, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, known by the call sign “Madyar,” urged traders not to buy Russian grain and other commodities. He warned that due to strikes on ships carrying Russian cargo, such transactions could result in significant losses.
According to Brovdi, the risks apply not only to grain but also to other commodities transported by sea. He also reported on new strikes by the Unmanned Systems Forces against vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet.
Robert Brovdi posted an appeal to traders on Facebook. He advised against opening positions on Russian grain and other commodities, even if the market promises a high premium. “Advice to traders: I wouldn’t take a position on grain or other commodities, even in anticipation of a huge premium. Neither long nor short. There’s a high probability of ‘natural loss,’" wrote the SBS commander.
Simply put, Brovdi believes that traders should now factor in the risk of losing Russian cargo during transport. He cites Operation “MoLoChKa” as the reason—an operation being conducted by the Unmanned Systems Forces against vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet.
The SBS reported strikes on 12 vessels
According to Brovdi, between August 1 and 8 alone, as part of Operation “MoLoChka,” the Unmanned Systems Forces struck 12 vessels of the shadow fleet in the Black and Azov Seas. The commander also published videos of drone attacks on dry cargo ships and tankers.
In total, according to his data, from the start of the operation on July 6 through August 8, the UAS effectively attacked 218 vessels. Of these:
- 134 — in the Sea of Azov;
- 84 — in the Black Sea.
Brovdi also stated that shipping through the Kerch Strait has been blocked since July 10. He emphasized that the operation will continue. “Operation ‘MoLoChKa’ will continue even after the promised 221 (vessels struck). We will stand firm. Moscow will fall. We will feed and rebuild Crimea,” wrote the SBS commander.
Ukraine Is Losing Export Opportunities Due to Russian Strikes
Problems with maritime transport affect more than just Russian cargo. Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and ships are already affecting the Ukrainian agricultural sector. Since July 22, due to intensified Russian attacks on ports and ships—including the use of missiles—ships have stopped calling at Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea.
This poses serious economic risks for Ukraine. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food reported that due to the prolonged restrictions on seaport operations, agricultural exports in the 2026/2027 marketing year could be cut nearly in half. Previously, it was expected that Ukraine would export about 64.4 million metric tons of agricultural products. Now, this figure may drop to approximately 29.6 million metric tons.
The ministry warned that the prolonged blockade of ports could cause massive financial problems for the agricultural sector. Thus, attacks on ships and problems with maritime routes are already affecting international grain trade. For traders, this means additional risks when handling Russian cargo, and for Ukraine—the threat of a significant reduction in its own agricultural exports. He wrote about this on Facebook.
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