Saudi Arabia becomes new importer of grain from occupied Crimea — Bellingcat and Lloyd’s List investigation

Saudi Arabia has joined the list of countries importing grain from ports in occupied Crimea despite Western sanctions, according to a joint investigation by Bellingcat and Lloyd’s List.

Using satellite imagery and AIS vessel-tracking data, analysts established that the bulk carrier Krasnodar (IMO 9296781) departed from the Avlita terminal in Sevastopol twice — in September and November 2025 — and arrived at King Abdullah Port and Jazan Port in Saudi Arabia. Bellingcat confirmed both port calls.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has become another buyer of grain stolen from Ukraine. Previously, such shipments were delivered to Iran, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, and Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

During its voyages, Krasnodar regularly switched off its AIS transponder, a practice considered a manipulation aimed at concealing the vessel’s route. After returning to the Black Sea, the ship was repeatedly detected again at the Avlita terminal.

The vessel’s operator, the Russian company Petrohleb-Kuban, stated that it “categorically denies” any involvement in exporting Ukrainian grain and claims that the vessel “does not operate at the Avlita port.” However, satellite imagery from Planet Labs and Sentinel-2 contradicts these assertions.