@BreakingNews: To be honest, I find it hard to believe that anyone thought the Soviets weren't going to play that card at some point, especially when they started losing hard. Hell, I'd not be surprised if the Soviets went spoilsport and sprayed RoundUp all over what they still have of Ukraine, just for spite.
Historically, the Soviets do not lose well. Rather, they take as much as they can from those they're losing to... and anyone else they can steal from, injure, cripple, of kill.
@thedisasterautist Their good will is long gone, so keeping up the grain exports would have no upside for Putin.
@BreakingNews: It isn't that the Soviets so much play to win but rather than they work to instill it into their opponents how much worse things will be for others if they lose.