Russia warns of ‘chaos’ in global food market after Ukraine pummels grain terminals

Grain shipments from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk are currently impossible because of serious damage to terminal infrastructure

Three of Russia’s largest grain terminals in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk have halted operations after being damaged in a massive overnight drone attack by Ukraine.

Grain shipments from Novorossiysk are currently impossible because of serious damage to terminal infrastructure, people familiar with the matter said.

A loading gallery at United Grain’s Novorossiysk Grain Plant collapsed after the strikes and several silos were damaged, the people said, while a gallery and truck unloading facility at Demetra’s terminal also were damaged. The KSK terminal was hit, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on Black Sea commercial ships and ports, raising concerns about supplies. The nations account for more than a quarter of global wheat exports, and the attacks come in the middle of this year’s harvest. Wheat futures jumped as much as 4 per cent in Chicago on Wednesday for the biggest intraday advance in three weeks.

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukrainian strikes on its grain and agricultural infrastructure were pushing up global food prices and exacerbating grain shortages.

“It is evident that the Kyiv regime’s cynical military campaign to incite chaos in the global food market … serves the interests of certain Western nations,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.