Following large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia suspended shipping along the Azov-Don maritime canal, which links the Don River with the Sea of Azov and is used, among other things, for grain exports. Reuters reported this on July 11, 2026, citing sources in the grain industry.
According to the agency’s sources, the notice stopping the acceptance of applications for vessel passage was circulated by the Border Service, which is subordinate to the FSB. One source also told Reuters that vessel traffic through the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, had been suspended as well.
No timeframe for the restrictions or official explanation for them was given in either case. Russian authorities did not respond to journalists’ requests for comment.
Possible impact on exports
Experts cited by Reuters said the canal shutdown could affect nearly a quarter of Russia’s wheat exports. Against that backdrop, wheat prices on the Euronext exchange rose by 4%.
What preceded the restrictions
Earlier, the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that on the evening of July 9, 14 Russian vessels were hit in the Sea of Azov. On July 10, Ukrainian drones, according to those claims, attacked another 13 Russian ships, including 10 tankers. In total, the Ukrainian side said Kyiv had attacked at least 48 Russian vessels over the past five days.