Russia destroyed at least 60,000 tonnes of essential grain slated for export in a wave of drone and missile attacks on the Ukrainian Black Sea port region of Odesa early Wednesday.
The refusal of Moscow to renew an agreement that allows the safe transport of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea has sparked concerns about global food security. Ukraine is a key supplier of wheat, maize and maize, and the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday that Russia’s withdrawal from the accord will raise food costs, particularly in developing countries.
“Russian terrorists absolutely deliberately targeted the infrastructure of the grain deal,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “Every Russian missile is a strike not only on Ukraine, but on everyone around the world who wants to live a normal and safe life.”
Russia, according to Ukraine’s air force, launched 63 missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and military facilities in the Odesa region. According to the report, air defences shot down 37 of them, a lower proportion than typical.
According to Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky, a substantial portion of the grain export infrastructure at Chornomorsk port southwest of Odesa was damaged, and 60,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed.
The strike was “very powerful, truly massive,” according to Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesman for the Odesa military government.”It was a hellish night.”
Russia, according to Ukraine’s southern military command, employed supersonic missiles, notably the Kh-22 designed to take down aircraft carriers, to attack Odesa’s port infrastructure.
According to Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office, ten citizens were hurt, including a nine-year-old youngster. Grain terminals, as well as an industrial facility, warehouses, shopping malls, residential and administrative buildings, and automobiles, were all damaged.
In video footage published by the emergency ministry, flames and smoke ascended from shattered warehouses, as well as a residential complex with shattered windows.
According to the UN, a “number of ideas are being floated” to allow Ukrainian grain to reach global markets. The decision by Moscow has generated concerns about growing food costs and hunger, particularly in Africa and Asia.
The UN and Turkey reached the Black Sea agreement in July last year to address a global food crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia threatened to strike vessels again on Wednesday. “All vessels sailing to Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea will be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo,” the defence ministry warned. “The flag states of these vessels will be considered party to the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kyiv regime.”
Source: Arab News
