Russia Sold Stolen Ukrainian Grain for Nearly $1 Billion

Russia and its allies sold stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories for nearly $1 billion in 2022. This grain was either seized from Ukrainian farmers or purchased at low prices under coercive conditions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which cites data and statements from Ukrainian officials, including Markiyan Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food. The US government and Ukrainian prosecutors also provided insights into the operations and implicated parties.

The stolen grain has been sold through a network that includes firms linked to the Russian government, a company associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and various entities trading with Syria, Israel, and the UAE. According to Dmytrasevych, at least 4 million tons of grain from occupied areas have been sold internationally, generating over $800 million in revenue.

This grain has been transported by small vessels or overland routes. The US government reports that three ships involved in these exports are owned by Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation. Additionally, a Russian company has donated 10 million rubles ($111,000) to an occupying battalion.

The trade of stolen grain is helping Russia mitigate the impact of international sanctions and finance its military operations. Turkey has banned vessels from occupied Ukrainian ports and cooperates with Ukraine to block illegal trade.

Ukrainian authorities are investigating various cases involving stolen grain, including a Turkish ship and a trader selling to an Emirati company. Despite sanctions, Iran continues to purchase stolen grain from Crimea at significantly reduced prices.