KYIV: Ukrainian authorities alleged on Tuesday that Russian strikes on their sea and river ports have resulted in the destruction of a staggering 270,000 tonnes of grain within just one month. The attacks have targeted key export infrastructure, severely impacting Ukraine’s ability to ship its agricultural products.
The conflict originated from the collapse of the UN-brokered Black Sea grain deal in July, which had been established to ensure the secure transportation of grain shipments from Ukraine. Following the collapse, Moscow began a series of assaults on Ukrainian ports situated along the Black Sea and the Danube river.
Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, revealed the gravity of the situation through a post on social media. He stated, “Russia is systematically hitting grain tanks and warehouses to stop agricultural exports.” The destructive campaign has led to the obliteration of a significant 270,000 tonnes of grain over the course of a single month.
Russia Targeting Ukrainian Ports
The most recent attack had a devastating impact on two of Ukraine’s vital ports. The port of Izmail saw its export capacity plummet by 15 percent overnight, while the port of Reni suffered the loss of a substantial 35,000 tonnes of grain. Minister Kubrakov noted that this marks the eighth attack on port infrastructure since Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal.
Russia’s decision to withdraw from the grain deal has had far-reaching consequences. It prompted both nations to issue warnings that ships approaching the affected ports could be treated as military targets, effectively eliminating the assurance of safe navigation in the region. The subsequent blockade by Russia has strained diplomatic ties and disrupted international trade routes.
In a show of defiance against the Russian blockade, a civilian cargo ship successfully traversed the Black Sea from Ukraine and arrived in Istanbul last week. This gesture, though symbolic, highlights the determination of Ukrainian authorities to uphold their commitment to trade despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
