Russia Strikes Ukrainian Grain Ports A Day After Withdrawing From Black Sea Grain Deal

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine heightened on Tuesday when Russian forces initiated a military attack at Ukrainian ports.

This aggressive action came just a day after Russia withdrew from a United Nations-supported agreement allowing Ukraine to export grain. The move further strained the already fragile relations between the two countries.

In response to Ukraine’s destruction of a road bridge to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, Russia claimed to have carried out “mass revenge strikes.” Fuel storage facilities in Odesa and a plant involved in seaborne drone production were explicitly targeted.

The attacks resulted in significant damage to homes and infrastructure in the major port city of Odesa, and reports emerged of a large fire in Mykolaiv, another port city.

The decision by Moscow to withdraw from the grain export agreement brokered by the United Nations was met with criticism from the international community. The United Nations warned that this move could lead to global food shortages, as Ukraine is crucial in exporting grain and agricultural products.

Amidst the escalating conflict, Ukrainian authorities accused Russian forces of resuming offensive operations in a region where Moscow claimed territorial advancements. The southern part of Ukraine reported falling debris, blast waves, and damage to infrastructure caused by the strike on the bridge.

Ukrainian air forces claimed to have successfully intercepted six Kalibr missiles and shot down 31 out of 36 drones, countering Russia’s version of events.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential staff, condemned the Russian attacks on ports as evidence of the country’s “terrorist intentions” and the risks it poses to millions of people who depend on Ukrainian food exports. Meanwhile, Russia announced reopening a single lane of road traffic on the Crimea bridge, which Ukraine had targeted.

Adding to the situation’s complexity, Russia launched a ground offensive in the northeastern part of Ukraine, making progress near the strategic railway hub of Kupiansk. Ukraine had previously retaken this area in a previous offensive. However, Reuters could not independently verify the current situation on the ground.

Despite Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, which have resulted in territorial gains and the recovery of villages in the southern region, they have yet to attempt a major offensive to breach the heavily fortified Russian defence lines.

General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that the ongoing conflict will be protracted and challenging, stating that there is still a long and difficult road ahead with the potential for significant bloodshed.

As tensions continue to escalate and violence intensifies, the international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Reference: Indian Express, The Globe and Mail, Business Recorder

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Source: Maritime Shipping News