Russia is starving after bad weather ravages crops

Extreme weather has struck Russia’s third-largest wheat-producing region, as the country also moves to reduce its wheat exports to avoid potential shortages.

According to S&P Global, Russia is expected to see a significant drop in wheat exports during the first half of the year after the Stavropol region — which accounts for 8% of the nation’s wheat production — was hit by severe snowstorms and hail.

Vladimir Vladimirov, governor of the southern region, wrote on Telegram: "The crops were damaged, and specialists are currently assessing the extent. We will determine further steps based on the results."

The news comes as international tariffs imposed by Donald Trump have also rattled Russian markets.

Already under heavy Western sanctions since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia now faces additional economic pressures, including a collapsing automotive sector. Compared to the previous year, Russian vehicle sales have plunged by 45% in 2025.

(QG - Source: The Daily Express - Picture : © Unsplash)