USF commander advises traders against buying Russian grain, commodities over risk of losses

Ukrainian Armed Forces commander Robert Brovdi has warned traders against buying Russian grain and commodities due to the significant risk of losses. In a Facebook post, Brovdi stated that he would not take a position on grain and other commodities, regardless of whether it would be a long or short position. He emphasized the high probability of natural loss in these commodities.

Brovdi highlighted the MoLoChKa operation, which took place from July 6 to August 8, during which the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted 12 shadow fleet vessels in the Black and Azov Seas. He provided video evidence of UAV attacks on dry cargo ships and tankers. During the entire duration of the operation, a total of 218 vessels were effectively neutralized, including 134 in the Sea of Azov and 84 in the Black Sea. Additionally, the Kerch Strait was blocked since July 10.

Brovdi expressed his commitment to continuing the MoLoChKa operation even after the announced target of 221 enemy vessels destroyed. He vowed, "Moscow will fall. We will feed and rebuild Crimea."

Since July 22, Russian attacks on ports and ships, including missile strikes and boarding attempts, have been a concern. As a result, ship calls to Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea have been suspended, contributing to a financial crisis in the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine projected that Ukraine would export around 64.4 million metric tonnes of agricultural products in the 2026/2027 marketing year.

However, due to the prolonged blockade of ports, exports could potentially decrease by nearly half, reaching approximately 29.6 million metric tonnes.