Russia declares emergency in Rostov Oblast as Ukrainian attacks halt ports

Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency in Rostov Oblast following Ukrainian attacks that have crippled ports and disrupted shipping in the Azov-Black Sea region, according to a report by Deutsche Welle (DW). The emergency order, issued by Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar on August 28, 2026, was issued in response to attacks on logistics infrastructure, which has left producers with a buildup of significant volumes of agricultural products.

This could result in disruptions to living conditions and significant material losses, according to the emergency declaration.

To address the aftermath of the emergency, Rostov Oblast Agriculture Minister Anna Kasyanenko has been appointed to oversee the situation. Her role includes monitoring the situation and informing producers about the emergency and the measures being taken by authorities. Earlier in July 2026, Russia temporarily halted shipping through the Don-Azov Canal and the Kerch Strait, the latter of which connects the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

This decision came after Ukrainian attacks on Russian vessels, with Ukraine reportedly hitting 13 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, including 10 tankers.

The impact of these attacks was felt in August when all three grain terminals at the port of Novorossiysk in Russia's Krasnodar Krai were forced to suspend operations. These terminals, including the Novorossiysk Grain Terminal, NKHP, and KSK, accounted for approximately 26.1 million metric tons of grain handling capacity per year. The suspension of these terminals has further exacerbated the shipping and logistics challenges in the region.