Kyiv accuses Russia of attacking grain infrastructure after exiting export agreement.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Targeting Grain Export Infrastructure
Ukraine has accused Russia of launching overnight strikes on its grain export infrastructure at two Black Sea ports. This comes after Russia ended its cooperation in an agreement that allowed vital Ukrainian grain exports to leave port. The Odesa region was targeted for the second consecutive night, with Ukraine’s air force reporting that Russia launched 63 missiles and drones across the country. Fortunately, they were able to shoot down 37 of them, although this is a lower success rate compared to recent months.
“Russian terrorists absolutely deliberately targeted the infrastructure of the grain deal,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Every Russian missile is a strike not only on Ukraine but on everyone in the world who wants a normal and safe life.”
Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military, described the attack as “very powerful, truly massive,” and referred to it as “a hellish night.” The Chornomorsk port southwest of Odesa suffered damage to its grain export infrastructure, and approximately 60,000 tons of grain were destroyed, according to Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky.
The Black Sea agreement, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July, aimed to address a global food shortage exacerbated by Russia’s refusal to allow Ukrainian exports to leave. However, Russia withdrew from the deal, claiming inadequate benefits in exchange for their participation. This withdrawal now threatens to disrupt the export corridor that has facilitated the shipment of over 32 million metric tons of grain since the agreement was established.
The United Nations is currently exploring options to ensure Ukraine’s exports continue despite Russia’s withdrawal. One proposal is to provide maritime military escorts for cargo ships transporting grain from Ukrainian ports. Ukrainian and U.N. officials have discussed this idea with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Russia’s decision to withdraw from the agreement was in response to an attack on the Kerch Bridge, a vital link between Russia and occupied Crimea. This recent attack was the second time the bridge was targeted, presumably by Ukrainian forces.
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