Russia seeks to disrupt not only maritime but also land-based agricultural exports from Ukraine – ISW

Russian forces have attacked a bridge at Maiaky in Odesa Oblast in order to disrupt exports of Ukrainian grain and other goods through an alternative land corridor that Ukraine has been using following the halt of maritime exports.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The bridge crosses the Dniester River and is located near the border with Moldova.

Russian forces have stepped up their efforts to reduce Ukraine's export capacity since July 2026.

Following the strike, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi stated that Ukraine would seek alternative routes for the export of grain and cargo.

"Russian forces are likely shifting their strike targets from the Ukrainian sea corridor to the land corridor to specifically prevent Ukrainian grain exports and generally degrade the Ukrainian economy," ISW writes.

Background:

• Inbound vessel traffic to Ukraine's Black Sea ports was suspended on 23 July due to the threat of Russian attacks, following weeks of air strikes on Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
• The National Bank estimated direct losses from foregone export revenue in the second half of 2026 as a result of the halt of maritime exports from Ukraine at over $2 billion.
• Türkiye called on Ukraine and Russia to introduce a moratorium on strikes against commercial vessels in the Black Sea on 9 August.

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