Russia announced on Monday that it is strengthening the protection of vessels in the Azov-Black Sea region while establishing alternative cargo routes, following a sharp escalation in naval attacks between Moscow and Kyiv.

In response to the "tense situation in the Azov Sea and enemy drone strikes on maritime vessels," Russia's Transport Ministry said it has formed a special task force to identify new shipping lanes and shift freight volumes to other modes of transport.

"Multiple loading and unloading companies have expressed willingness to take on more cargo within their operational capacity and improve terminal loading efficiency," the ministry stated in a release. It is working with the Defense Ministry to "implement further measures to ensure navigation safety in the Azov-Black Sea area and protect ships at sea."

Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, while Ukraine is also a major agricultural exporter. Over recent weeks, both countries have repeatedly attacked each other's agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea region, driving up international wheat prices.

Russia's main grain industry association warned last Friday that continued Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ships and ports could disrupt Black Sea grain export corridors in the near term, potentially pushing up food prices and triggering shortages in Africa and the Middle East.

Ukraine's largest agricultural union, UAC, has also cautioned in recent weeks that Russian strikes on shipping near southern Odesa port are restricting Ukraine's agricultural exports during the critical harvest season, which could impact global food supplies.