This summer, Ukraine has achieved significant military successes, including drone strikes within Russia, yet Russia has retaliated with intensified assaults on Ukrainian Black Sea ports. These attacks are disrupting grain exports, which constitute 60% of Ukraine’s goods exports, and are exacerbating air-defense shortages. The Ukrainian agriculture minister asserts that ports remain operational; however, 90% of shipowners have ceased port calls due to soaring insurance costs linked to the heightened risk of attacks. Russia aims to undermine Ukraine’s economic viability and leverage international food prices to weaken support for Kyiv. Despite the challenges, European backing for Ukraine remains robust, and alternative grain transport routes are being explored. The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with both nations pursuing aggressive military strategies that will likely have far-reaching economic implications beyond their borders.