Escalating offensives threaten grain exports through critical chokepoint

20260727N Black Sea

A Ukrainian military vessel operates in the Black Sea near what Ukrainian forces said was a Russian tanker, in this image from a video supplied by the Security Service of Ukraine. © Reuters

VIENNA — A flurry of attacks between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea is roiling grain and energy exports, driving up prices and raising the risk of inflationary pressure and food scarcity in importing countries.