KYIV: In a move that escalated tensions and threatened global food supplies, Russian drones damaged infrastructure at a Ukrainian port on the Danube River, disrupting vital grain shipments from Ukraine. The port of Izmail, located across the river from Romania, was hit, damaging silos, warehouses, and administrative buildings. Izmail has become the primary export route for Ukrainian agricultural products via Romania after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain agreement last month.
The deal had allowed approximately 33 million tonnes of grain to leave Ukrainian ports, easing concerns about food shortages worldwide amid the ongoing conflict. However, Russia’s recent strikes on grain infrastructure in the Odesa region, which were crucial for safe passage under the agreement, have disrupted the grain trade.
Russia’s Strike Damages 40,000 Tonnes of Grain
In an overnight strike on southern Ukrainian ports near the Danube river, Russia inflicted significant damage on almost 40,000 tonnes of grain, Ukraine’s infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, revealed on Wednesday. The attack targeted warehouses and grain elevators and affected grain shipments destined for several African countries, China, and Israel. Kubrakov accused Russia of using Iranian drones to carry out the destructive strike.
Following the port strike, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin not to take actions that would further escalate tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. Erdogan stressed the importance of the grain deal as a “bridge for peace” and urged cooperation to ensure global food security.
Putin Asks Erdogan to Help Russia in Exporting Grain to Africa
In response to the situation, Putin asked Erdogan to assist Russia in exporting its grain to African countries facing food shortages. However, Paris accused Moscow of prioritizing its interests over those of the most vulnerable, putting global food security at risk.
The Black Sea route being blocked, the previously lesser-known ports of Izmail and Reni on the Danube have become crucial for global food supplies. However, they are currently facing processing bottlenecks, and Russia has been targeting them with attacks.
The overnight strike in Izmail damaged nearly 40,000 tonnes of grain destined for Africa, China, and Israel. Ukrainian officials are calling for increased air defense capabilities to repel Russian attacks. In Kyiv, more than ten Russian drones were downed during an overnight strike, and parts of the city were damaged, including a glass high-rise building housing government offices.
As tensions continue to rise, Russia also announced naval drills on the Baltic Sea, involving 30 warships and boats. The drills aim to practice protecting sea lanes, transporting troops and military cargo, and defending the coastline.
