Russian Attack Targets Ukraine’s Odesa Port Following Grain Export Deal Suspension

On Tuesday, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces launched a pre-dawn attack on the port of Odesa, targeting it with exploding drones and six cruise missiles. This assault occurred just a day after Moscow terminated a crucial grain export agreement that allowed Kyiv to ship vital grain supplies from the Black Sea city amidst the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian military’s Southern Command disclosed that the Russians initially used the drones to weaken Ukraine’s air defenses before directing the six Kalibr cruise missiles towards Odesa. However, the Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted and shot down all six missiles and 25 drones in the Odesa region and surrounding areas. Nevertheless, the debris and shock waves caused some damage to port facilities and a few residential buildings. Tragically, an elderly man sustained injuries at his home due to the attack.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, emphasized that this assault demonstrates the Kremlin’s readiness to jeopardize the lives of millions of people worldwide who rely on Ukrainian grain exports. With hunger posing an escalating threat in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and rising food prices plunging more individuals into poverty, Yermak stressed that the international community must recognize Russia’s intention to induce hunger and inflict harm. He asserted that Russia aims to generate waves of refugees and weaken Western nations through these actions.

The United Nations and Ukraine’s Western allies strongly criticized Moscow for halting the Black Sea Grain Initiative, highlighting the imminent danger it posed to countless lives. In response, the Kremlin stated that the agreement would remain suspended until its demands to lift restrictions on the export of Russian food and fertilizer worldwide are met.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had successfully thwarted a Ukrainian attack on occupied Crimea using 28 drones. According to the ministry, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 17 of the attacking drones, while the remaining 11 were jammed and crashed due to electronic warfare measures. They confirmed that no casualties or damages occurred.

This reported attack transpired shortly after the Kremlin accused Ukraine of striking a bridge in Crimea, a crucial supply route linking Russia to the annexed peninsula. The bridge plays a vital role in supporting Kremlin forces engaged in the ongoing conflict.

For AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine, visit https://bigbignews.net/russia-ukraine

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• Ukraine-Russia conflict: Latest Updates – Stay updated with the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Port of Odesa – Learn more about the port of Odesa, which was targeted in the Russian attack.
• Kalibr Cruise Missiles – Find information about Kalibr cruise missiles, the type of missiles used in the attack.
• Russian-Ukrainian Relations – Explore a timeline of events and key moments in Russian-Ukrainian relations.
• United Nations – Visit the official website of the United Nations for updates on international responses to the conflict.