Russia has halted ship traffic through the Azov-Don Canal following attacks by Ukraine
Russia has temporarily suspended shipping through the Azov-Don Canal following attacks on Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov. This move could significantly impact grain exports, as nearly a quarter of Russia’s wheat exports pass through this route.
According to sources, ship traffic through the Azov-Don Canal, which connects the Don River to the Sea of Azov, was halted following an attack on 13 Russian vessels, including 10 tankers.
“Market analysts note that up to a quarter of wheat exports from Russia, the world’s largest grain exporter, pass through the Sea of Azov,” the report states.
One source reported that Russian border guards informed shipping companies that they would no longer accept applications to pass through the Kerch Strait starting at 6:10 p.m. local time on Friday. The Kerch Strait connects the Azov and Black Seas.
However, no timeline has been provided for the resumption of shipping.
It is known that the Rostov Region and the Krasnodar Krai, which are key grain-producing regions of Russia, are located along the Sea of Azov. In addition, Russia’s second-largest port in the Black Sea region is located near the Kerch Strait.
It is also noted that in recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil refining infrastructure, which has already led to fuel shortages in various regions of the Russian Federation.
Experts emphasize that the war in Ukraine continues to pose risks to the global grain market, as the Black and Azov Seas remain important routes for agricultural exports. At the same time, no serious disruptions in international grain trade have been recorded so far during the entire period of the full-scale war.
Earlier, a Planet Labs satellite captured the aftermath of strikes on Russian tankers in the Sea of Azov. The images, released by the “Schemes” project (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), are dated July 9.
In addition, on the night of July 8, attack drones of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a military airfield in Borisoglebsk, Voronezh Oblast, Russia. This airbase is home to aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which are used for both combat and training missions.
