3 August 2026 17:36 (UTC+04:00)Ulviyya Poladova Read moreRussia announced that it is strengthening the protection of vessels in the Azov-Black Sea basin while simultaneously developing alternative cargo routes, AzerNEWS reports, citing Russian media. "Several companies have already expressed their readiness, within their operational capabilities, to handle additional cargo volumes at their terminals and increase transportation speeds. Together with the Ministry of Defense, additional measures are being implemented to ensure navigation safety and protect vessels in the Azov-Black Sea basin," the statement said. Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, and Ukraine, also a major supplier of agricultural products, have carried out attacks on each other’s export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea region in recent weeks. The Ukrainian Agricultural Council (UAC), the country’s largest agricultural association, has also warned in recent weeks that Russian attacks on shipping near the port of Odesa have restricted exports during the crucial harvest season and could affect global food supplies.