Ukraine continues to expand its international system for detecting grain illegally exported by Russia from temporarily occupied territories. According to First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotskyi, the mechanism combines satellite monitoring, laboratory analysis, and international cooperation with EU countries and the United Kingdom. The main objective is not only to document theft cases but also to legally block illegal grain shipments from entering global markets.
The new system includes the creation of a specialized database containing grain samples collected from different regions of Ukraine. Using advanced chemical analysis, experts can determine the geographical origin of grain even after transportation and blending at ports. This technology is expected to become a key source of evidence in international legal disputes and sanctions procedures.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia uses a complex logistics network to sell stolen grain. The scheme reportedly involves offshore cargo transfers, falsified documentation, and the operation of a so-called “shadow grain fleet.” Ukrainian authorities have already identified dozens of vessels and intermediary companies involved in illegal grain exports through Black Sea and Azov Sea ports.
Analysts believe that the Grain Verification Scheme could significantly complicate the sale of stolen grain on international markets. Beyond protecting Ukraine’s economic interests, the initiative is also important for global food security and transparency in international agricultural trade. In the future, the mechanism could become part of a broader international grain origin verification system.