Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree imposing sanctions on 56 vessels accused of transporting Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied areas, describing the move as a new step in tightening pressure on Moscow’s exploitation of agricultural resources.
The sanctioned ships are believed to have been involved in exporting grain from territory under Russian occupation, which Ukraine considers stolen property. Independent researchers have estimated Ukraine’s losses from Russian grain theft at billions of dollars since the full-scale invasion began.
The decree targets vessels identified through investigations that tracked shipments from occupied Ukrainian ports to international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on port access for the listed ships.
The move represents Ukraine’s effort to use economic and legal tools to combat Russian exploitation of its agricultural resources, complementing military and diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian officials have called on international partners to take similar measures against vessels involved in trading grain from occupied territories.