Wheat Exports from Occupied Mariupol
An investigation has uncovered that the Russian company 'Nika' exported wheat from occupied Mariupol to Turkey and Egypt during 2023 and 2024. This activity highlights how Russia continues to exploit captured Ukrainian resources for profit. According to the findings, this company is linked to the owners of the drone manufacturer 'Roboavia'. Some of the exported grain reached the Turkish company Erisler Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S.
In 2023, 'Nika' exported over 54,000 tons of wheat to Turkey, valued at $3.7 million. By 2024, export volumes increased to 59,500 tons, earning the company $12.9 million. Documentation confirms that 'Nika's' production facilities are located in occupied Mariupol. In April 2024, a shipment of 7,857 tons of grain was sent via the Russian port of Temryuk to Erisler. Laboratory analysis for this shipment was conducted in Odesa under the supervision of a representative from the company Cotecna.
Control of 'Nika' and International Response
The Gurov family controls the company 'Nika'. Roman Gurov and Lyudmila Gurova, the owner of 'Roboavia', are key figures in this structure. The drone manufacturer 'Roboavia' is under sanctions from both the United States and Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has also reported that in 2025, Russia illegally transported approximately 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea from temporarily occupied territories. In total, over 2 million tons of grain were taken from these territories in 2025.
This situation underscores the active involvement of Belarus alongside Russia in the illegal removal of agricultural products from Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, thereby circumventing international sanctions. This aspect raises concerns within the international community as it violates norms of international law and threatens regional food security.
This case demonstrates the complexity of the situation regarding the export of Ukrainian agricultural products under conditions of military conflict and occupation.
The illegal removal of grain from occupied territories not only undermines Ukraine's economy but also raises serious concerns about global food security, as countries receiving this grain could face sanctions for cooperating with Russian companies. It is important to note that such actions could have serious consequences not only for Ukraine but for international relations as a whole.