The Ukrainian government is considering urging the European Union to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi companies and officials allegedly involved in importing grain sourced from Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.
Grain exports from Russia’s Black Sea ports are often blended with crops harvested in territories currently under Russian occupation. Ukraine considers any agricultural products from these occupied areas to be looted and has consistently targeted foreign buyers in an effort to deter the trade. Syria had previously been a major importer of such grain before the fall of the Assad regime. Now, Ukrainian diplomats claim that Bangladeshi traders are among the latest to purchase these controversial shipments.
According to Reuters, Ukraine’s embassy in New Delhi sent several letters to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry warning about this issue. These communications alleged that up to 150,000 tonnes of such grain were exported from the Russian port of Kavkaz to ports in Bangladesh. The grain was reportedly mixed with legitimate Russian exports, making it virtually impossible for buyers to identify its origins.
Despite being presented with detailed information, including a list of vessels involved, Ukrainian Ambassador to India Oleksandr Polishchuk said Dhaka has not responded—even after being warned of potential sanctions.
Currently, none of the vessels named are under international sanctions. So far, Western sanctions have largely targeted oil tankers, which carry the bulk of Russia’s high-value exports.
Ukraine has already seized two vessels accused of transporting grain from occupied territories and plans to auction one of them off.
