Russia Steals 8,000 Tons of Grain from Mariupol as Total Losses Exceed $810 Million

Russian forces have once again transported Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied city of Mariupol, according to the National Resistance Center of Ukraine (CNS). The latest shipment, totaling 8,000 tons, was moved to a Russian port, the CNS confirmed.

In a statement, the CNS highlighted that the overall volume of stolen Ukrainian grain passing through Mariupol’s port in 2024 has now exceeded 180,000 tons. These actions are part of a broader pattern of resource theft by Russians in Ukraine.

The CNS provided further details on how this theft occurs. Russian forces reportedly force local farmers to sell their grain at prices significantly lower than market value, facilitated by a state-run entity. This grain is then sold off, further enriching the Russian state enterprise facilitating the theft.

The systematic removal of Ukrainian resources has had severe economic consequences for the country and is exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation in the region, the CNS stated.

Days earlier, the CNS reported on the construction of a large agricultural market in Mariupol. However, they assert that this project is actually designed to serve as a hub for the distribution of stolen Ukrainian goods.

Additionally, Ukrainian officials continue to assess the full scale of damage. Yuriy Bielousov, Head of the Department for Counteracting Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict at the Office of the Prosecutor General, stated during the United for Justice conference that losses from the illegal appropriation of Ukrainian grain by Russia exceed $810 million, though this figure remains provisional.