Russian occupiers plan to export Ukrainian grain from Berdiansk port under direction of collaborator

Russian authorities are reportedly planning to make active use of the seized port in occupied Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Source: National Resistance Centre (NRC)

Quote: "The head of the Russian government, Mikhail Mishustin, signed a resolution according to which a permanent border post is being created in the seaport for the passage of cargo. This means that the occupiers are preparing to use Ukrainian infrastructure to finance their own economy and military machine."

Details: According to NRC sources, the process is overseen by Volodymyr Stelmachenko, the head of the company, who voluntarily agreed to cooperate with the Russians after the city was captured.

After his appointment, Stelmachenko began following orders from Russian handlers – he transferred all Ukrainian port property over to the occupation administration and organised a scheme to export Ukrainian grain to Russia.

The NRC notes that some port workers are being forced to work under threat of dismissal or inspections by the FSB. Those who refused to cooperate face constant pressure or have already fled the area.

Most of the current staff are specialists brought from Russia who lack the necessary qualifications, which has led to an increase in technical malfunctions and accidents, the report adds.

Sources also report that Stelmachenko is exploiting the port's recovery for personal gain, embezzling funds allocated by the occupation authorities for the supposed repair of hydraulic structures. Much of the money is being siphoned off through fake contracts and shell companies registered in occupied Crimea.

Quote: "In fact, instead of restoring logistics, the occupation authorities are turning the Berdyansk port into another scheme for stealing resources, under the guise of loud statements about 'regional development'."

Background:

• In August, Russia added Mariupol and Berdiansk to the list of ports "open to foreign vessels".
• In the port of occupied Berdiansk, Russian forces have already set up a cargo checkpoint on the so-called state border. Technical work to equip the checkpoint is expected to be completed by 2026.

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