Saudi Arabia is among the buyers of stolen grain from Crimea

Investigative journalists have uncovered a new channel for the illegal export of Ukrainian grain through occupied Crimea. According to the investigation, grain was shipped from Sevastopol to Saudi Arabia by sea.

This was reported by Bellingcat.

Bellingcat journalists, together with Lloyd's List analysts, using satellite imagery and data from the Automated Identification System (AIS), have identified a new route for the illegal export of Ukrainian grain through the temporarily occupied Crimea.

The investigation identified two voyages of the Krasnodar bulk carrier, which transported grain from the Avlita terminal in Sevastopol to Saudi Arabia. The first crossing took place in September 2025 with the arrival at the King Abdullah port, and the second in November, when the vessel called at the Jazan port.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has joined the list of countries that receive grain from the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. Previously, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, and Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen were among the importers.

Maritime security expert Ian Relby emphasized that the ports of Crimea are of key importance to Russia, as their control affects the economic prospects of the region, the security of sea routes and Moscow's position in possible peace talks.

In August, the Main Intelligence Directorate announced the operation of 42 vessels of Russia's"shadow fleet" that transport Russian oil, as well as grain and coal from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. According to the GUR, these vessels, along with the ports and airports involved, are used to transport weapons, export stolen Ukrainian products, and circumvent international sanctions.

In the temporarily occupied territories of southern and eastern Ukraine, the plundering of the agricultural sector has become a well-established system. The Russian authorities have built a complete chain, from the forced seizure of crops to their export abroad under the guise of Russian grain, with Crimean ports playing a key role in this process.

Анна Бальчінос