News War
Russians loot Ukrainian farms
Retreating Russian forces are increasingly targeting agricultural holdings in Ukraine. More and more reports about this are appearing in the media and on platforms such as Twitter. Not only are companies targeted, but agricultural machinery and products such as grains are also stolen.
Update 13:00: Added paragraph about grain robbery of 1,5 million tons.
News service CNN reports citing local sources in eastern Ukraine that Russian armed forces have at least $5 million worth of tractors and combines stolen and transported them more than 800 kilometers into Russia. It concerns a mechanization company (Agrotek) in the place Melitopol.
Systems blocked
This act is not an isolated incident, as troop theft is much more frequently reported. In Melitopol, 27 machines – including one tractor, two combines and one seed drill – were transported to Russia by trucks. Thanks to the GPS systems on the machines, the location could be determined. The electronic systems have been blocked, but sources at CNN say the Russians are trying to circumvent those systems with the help of hackers.
It is not the first theft in Melitopol. Other sources report to the American news channel that a lot of grain in the region has been seized by the Russians. Because the farmers cannot export it – because transshipment facilities have been destroyed – the grain silos are fuller than usual. Residents and the mayor say the stolen grain was taken to De Krim by trucks. The local grain storage has also been emptied by the Russians, the mayor tells CNN.
Feudal System
It is not the first incident, but it is the most extensive known to date. It doesn't stop with theft, though. Reports are also emerging that Russian occupiers have set up a feudal system in the eastern border region. There warns also the Ukrainian farmers' organization VAR. A farmer in Kherson Oblast tells how armed separatists have taken over his farm and that of others in the area. They are now calling the shots and also selling the remaining stock, which is exported to Russia. The occupiers demand between 50% and 70% of the harvest without paying.
Grain theft is a common offense in the country today. It concerns at least tens of thousands of tons, so report various media in Ukraine. The grain is usually exported to the Crimean region or the southern Russian Krasnodar. Leaked documents speak of targeted actions to replenish grain stocks in Russia.
Agriculture minister speaks of 'grain robbery'
The Ukrainian agriculture minister spoke on Saturday about a "major grain robbery" by Russia. That writes the Telegraaf† It would not be tens of thousands of tons but 1,5 million tons. Minister Taras Visotski said this in a speech on national television. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that decision.
Niels van der Boom
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
