Moscow launched a series of drone attacks on a port in Ukraine’s Odesa region, used by Kyiv for grain exports, just a day before crucial talks between Russia and Turkey where the revival of a U.N.-backed grain deal will be on the agenda.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Kyiv’s air defenses successfully shot down 22 out of the 25 Iranian-made drones that were headed for the Danube River port infrastructure. The attack resulted in at least two reported injuries.
The Danube River had become Ukraine’s primary route for shipping grain following the collapse of a deal, brokered by Turkey and the U.N., allowing Kyiv to use the Black Sea for exports in July. In recent weeks, Moscow has escalated its attacks on Danube port infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Russia, where Turkey is expected to advocate for the reinstatement of the Black Sea grain deal.
“Russian terrorists continue to attack port infrastructure in the hope of provoking a food crisis and famine in the world,” warned Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff for the Ukrainian president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron and explored ways to ensure the functioning of the grain corridor and enhance the security of the Odesa region.
Ukrainian officials also reported injuries due to Russian shelling in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region and casualties following attacks in the northeastern Sumy region, although these reports could not be independently verified.
This follows a Ukrainian general’s announcement that Kyiv’s troops had breached Russia’s first defensive line near Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Russia’s efforts to recruit fresh troops have extended to advertising in the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as offering expedited Russian citizenship for recruits. Around 280,000 people have already signed up for military service in Russia this year.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov noted that Ukraine has received substantial military aid from Western allies, including over $50 billion from the U.S. He emphasized that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership would significantly enhance its security against potential future Russian aggression.
The situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with military developments and diplomatic efforts continuing to shape the landscape of the conflict.
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