Russia tries to block Ukrainian grain exports via Moldova and Romania – ISW
Russian forces have likely begun shifting strikes from Ukrainian maritime export routes to alternative overland corridors. Russia’s goal may be to further reduce grain exports and weaken the Ukrainian economy, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe.
On August 9, Russian forces struck a bridge near the village of Mayaky on the M-15 Odesa–Reni highway. This road connects southern Ukraine with Moldova and Romania and is used for transporting goods to alternative export routes.
Russian sources claimed the bridge had been destroyed. However, video footage released after the strike showed that the structure remained usable. Local media reported damage to the bridge, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine temporarily restricted traffic on the M-15 highway.
This bridge had already been targeted in a Russian attack in December 2025.
Russia is attempting to cut off an alternative export corridor
According to the ISW assessment, the strike on the bridge in Mayaky could have been aimed at disrupting the transportation of Ukrainian grain and other goods through Moldova to Romania. This overland route gained particular significance after Russia intensified attacks on Black Sea ports and civilian vessels.
Analysts note that since July 2026, Russian forces have stepped up efforts to reduce Ukraine’ export capabilities.
On the night of July 19, a Russian strike on the port of Chornomorsk in Odesa Oblast destroyed 60,000 tonnes of grain. In late July, the Ukrainian Navy reported that Russian attacks had damaged more than 20 vessels near the Ukrainian coast and significantly slowed traffic along the sea corridor.
According to an estimate by the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, due to missile and drone strikes on port infrastructure, Ukraine has lost about a third of its grain export opportunities.
Because of threats to Black Sea shipping, Ukraine is forced to use alternative routes more actively, including ports on the Danube, overland routes through Moldova, and the exit to the Romanian port of Constanța.
ISW suggests that Russia may be deliberately shifting its target set: after damaging maritime infrastructure, Russian forces are trying to hit the overland routes Ukraine is using to sustain exports.
Türkiye proposes a moratorium on strikes against merchant ships
Amid the increased attacks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Ankara had proposed a mutual moratorium on strikes against merchant ships in the Black Sea to Ukraine and Russia.
According to him, the proposal was passed to both sides. Türkiye expects official responses from Kyiv and Moscow.
According to: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
