Odesa farmers resist Russia’s Black Sea blockade

Volodymyr Varbanets, a 76-year-old farmer in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, continues to harvest crops despite Russia’s increased attacks on port infrastructure that threaten to trap his grain.

For over 20 years, Varbanets has farmed 206 hectares, but this year’s unusually good harvest cannot be sold because of the dangers facing ships attempting to use the Black Sea.

Russia began a campaign of attacks in mid-July, targeting civilian cargo vessels and effectively blocking access to the Greater Odesa ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi. Dmytro Barinov, president of the Ukrainian Ports Association Ukrport, described the attacks as “ship hunting,” noting a dramatic drop in vessel traffic. In July, 169 vessels entered the ports, but by late August, only one or two arrived daily.

While a maritime corridor established by Ukraine after Russia withdrew from a grain agreement remains technically open, shipowners are increasingly reluctant to risk their crews and cargo. Some are demanding significantly higher pay for the journey, but ultimately, Barinov says, “they are afraid for their lives.” The situation has created a crisis for Ukrainian farmers like Varbanets, who face financial losses as grain prices plummet while the costs of production rise.

The Agriculture Ministry estimates that exports between August 1 and August 26 were only one-third of what they could have been with full access to ports. Though alternative routes exist, including the Danube ports of Izmail and Reni, and Romania’s port of Constanta. They are smaller, more expensive, and also subject to Russian attacks. Ukrainian Navy patrol boats are working to defend the corridor, but face constant threats from Russian drones and missiles.

Despite the challenges, Varbanets plans to continue planting, stating, “We will sow.”