Russia Issues Permits for First Grain Vessels to Leave Sea of Azov Since July

By Reuters Oct. 28, 2026 Russian authorities have issued permits for vessels carrying grain for export to leave the Sea of Azov for the first time since July 10, when they closed maritime traffic in the area due to Ukrainian drone attacks, seven industry sources told Reuters. The sources said permits to pass through the Kerch Strait, which links the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, would be issued for a period through Nov. 15. Two of the sources said the vessels would be accompanied through the Black Sea by a Russian naval convoy. "The Harbor Master has instructed to start outward clearance procedures for vessels that are fully ready," one industry source said. The issuance of permits suggests that Russian officials consider the passage through the Kerch Strait into the Black Sea is currently relatively safe. The development coincided with the start of a localized ceasefire to allow safe passage for humanitarian supplies to the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky in the Kherson region. U.S. first lady Melania Trump, who mediated the ceasefire, said it had expanded into the whole of the Kherson region, an area of fierce fighting, which has access to the Sea of Azov. Both Russia and Ukraine said that the ceasefire is holding. Russia and Ukraine have been attacking each other's ports and vessels in the Black Sea area since the new grain marketing season started in July, bringing the once booming Black Sea agriculture trade to a standstill. Turkey, an importer of grain from Russia, led the effort to introduce a ceasefire and resume shipments in the Black Sea, but Russian officials have said they are not interested in a ceasefire deal that does not cover targets in other sectors. Read more about: Black Sea , Exports Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Exports to Turkey Fall 40% Amid Ukrainian Strikes on Southern Ports Shipments to Turkey, Russia’s third-largest trading partner, totaled $1.93 billion, down from $3.23 billion in July. 2 Min read Ukrainian Strikes Halt Most Russian Grain Exports in the Black Sea Experts cautioned that the disruption would not necessarily be permanent and some terminals were likely to resume operations. 3 Min read Russian Scientists Warn of Dangerous Levels of Carcinogen Along Black Sea Coast One expert compared the pollution to the U.S. military’s use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. 2 Min read U.K. Firms Fight Russia’s Image Problem At an annual investment forum in Moscow, British businesses promoted U.K.-Russia business relations amid the ongoing political standoff.