Russia weighs arming grain ships as Ukraine drone threat disrupts exports

Russian authorities are considering equipping grain ships with heavy machine guns and other defensive measures to protect cargoes from Ukrainian drone attacks, as disruptions to exports through the Sea of Azov threaten one of the country's most important trade routes, Bloomberg News reported.

Russia's military and transport authorities are discussing the proposals with grain traders and shipowners after drone strikes on ports, commercial vessels and maritime infrastructure halted shipping through the Sea of Azov, which typically accounts for around a quarter of the country's grain exports.

According to documents seen by Bloomberg, the recommendations include fitting bulk carriers with armour plating, sandbags, anti-drone mesh and mounts for heavy machine guns. Military personnel armed with Kalashnikov rifles would accompany vessels during the initial stage of their voyage, while heavy machine guns equipped with thermal or night-vision sights would be installed before departure and removed after ships pass through the Kerch Strait.

The proposals also envisage merchant vessels sailing in convoys between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea under the escort of Russian military patrol boats. Shipowners and traders would bear the cost of vessel modifications and military protection, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The measures highlight growing concern over the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's multi-billion-dollar grain export industry, with the disruption coming during the peak harvest season. Wheat prices have risen to their highest level in two years as both Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on ports and commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.

The Russian transport ministry, defence ministry and the Federal Agency for Sea and River Transport did not immediately comment on the reported plans.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia's navy was capable of protecting the country's commercial fleet, referring to President Vladimir Putin's remarks that attacks on merchant vessels should be treated as acts of piracy. Peskov also acknowledged that international law prohibits installing weapons on civilian vessels but did not directly address the proposed military escort arrangements.

Shipping through Russia's Azov Sea ports remains at a standstill, according to logistics firm Logistic OS. Agricultural consultancy SovEcon estimates that Russia could lose between 500,000 and 1.5 million metric tons of grain exports per month if restrictions on Azov Sea shipping continue.

Meanwhile, grain shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports around Odesa have also been suspended following recent Russian strikes, while Russia has sought to divert cargoes from the Sea of Azov to its Black Sea ports using rail subsidies. Despite reduced traffic, Russia's deep-water Black Sea terminals remain operational.

By Aghakazim Guliyev