UK farmers’ fertiliser crisis pumps millions into Putin’s war chest

A large part of the UK has been gripped by a drought

Britain has channelled more than £8 million into the Russian economy through imports of a key fertiliser chemical since conflict in the Middle East disrupted global supplies, exposing how geopolitical shocks are rippling through UK agriculture. As farmers battle soaring costs and drought-hit harvests, campaigners warn that money spent on Russian fertiliser is indirectly helping finance Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Official figures show the UK imported almost 34,000 tonnes of Russian urea between March and May, highlighting the difficult balance between safeguarding food production and tightening economic pressure on Moscow.

War Abroad, Costs at Home

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for fertiliser exports from Gulf producers, has sent nitrogen fertiliser prices sharply higher. Russia, already the world’s largest fertiliser exporter, has capitalised on the disruption as global buyers scramble for supplies.

Analysis by Greenpeace UK’s investigative unit, Unearthed, estimates British imports during the three-month period generated around £8.2 million in revenues for Russian producers. Those companies ultimately contribute tax receipts that help fund the Kremlin’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Farmers Face a Double Blow

The imports come as British farmers endure one of their toughest seasons in years. Fertiliser prices have climbed by around 40 per cent since fighting in the Middle East intensified, while prolonged summer drought has reduced crop yields and forced the earliest harvest in at least two decades.

Industry leaders warn many growers are being squeezed between rising input costs and falling incomes. Some may be forced to cut fertiliser use or abandon nitrogen-intensive crops altogether, raising concerns over future food production.

Campaigners Warn Food System Is Exposed

Greenpeace argues the crisis reveals how heavily Britain remains dependent on imported fertilisers, with around 60 per cent of farming demand met from overseas. Campaigners say the combination of war, volatile gas prices and climate-driven extreme weather has left the UK's food system dangerously vulnerable.

They argue reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilisers is essential to improving resilience while limiting indirect financial support for Russia.

Government Defends Sanctions Strategy

The Government insists trade restrictions are working, pointing out that Russian goods imports have fallen dramatically since before the invasion of Ukraine. Fertilisers remain subject to increasing tariffs, with duties set to rise further over the next year to encourage importers to diversify away from Russian supplies.

Ministers argue the phased approach protects UK food security while reducing dependence on Moscow. Critics counter that even reduced trade continues to deliver valuable export earnings to Russia at a time when every revenue stream strengthens its ability to sustain the war.

How British farmers are unwittingly funding Putin’s war machine