The Black Sea has become the deadliest sea lane in the world according to the Financial Times, 570 vessels have been attacked over the past year, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 merchant sailors. By comparison, only 24 deaths were confirmed in the Strait of Hormuz. In July-September there were about 387 ships targeted, an average of more than four attacks daily. Embry estimates that Russia has carried out about 90% of the recent attacks on commercial shipping. Attacks were extended to the waters near Romania and Bulgaria, leading to an insurance cost of up to 15% of the vessel's value. Ukrainian agricultural exports fell to 1.4 million tonnes in August, down 75% from pre-war levels, as farmers warn they may lack money for spring sowing.

The Black Sea has become the deadliest sea lane in the world according to the Financial Times, 570 vessels have been attacked over the past year, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 merchant sailors. By comparison, only 24 deaths were confirmed in the Strait of Hormuz. In July-September there were about 387 ships targeted, an average of more than four attacks daily. Embry estimates that Russia has carried out about 90% of the recent attacks on commercial shipping. Attacks were extended to the waters near Romania and Bulgaria, leading to an insurance cost of up to 15% of the vessel's value. Ukrainian agricultural exports fell to 1.4 million tonnes in August, down 75% from pre-war levels, as farmers warn they may lack money for spring sowing.