Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports

Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, with major ports like Odessa coming under constant missile and drone strikes.

These attacks have resulted in the deaths of workers and sailors at the ports. In July alone, Russia has carried out dozens of attacks on civilian ships and ports.

On July 19, a Turkish cargo ship was hit by three Russian missiles, resulting in the deaths of nine Indian and Syrian crew members and a Ukrainian pilot. The ship later sank in the sea.

The Black Sea has become one of the most dangerous places for navigation. Port workers are forced to work in fear, with many describing the situation as being on the front lines of the war.

Oleg Gryhorov, president of the Marine Transport Workers’ Union, said, ‘Being at the port is even more frightening than being on the front lines.’

Missiles from Crimea can reach the ports in just one minute, while workers need at least three minutes to escape using cranes. This leaves them with little time to save their lives.

The attacks have almost completely halted ship traffic at Odessa’s ports, with many areas now empty. A senior manager said, ‘Normally, there would be a long line of ships waiting to enter the port.’

Food Export Disrupted

Russia has been carrying out regular attacks since the food export agreement brokered by the United Nations was suspended.

The constant attacks have severely impacted Ukraine’s food exports. Volodymyr Slavinsky, trading director of a food export company, said, ‘We have lost the capacity to export around 500,000 to 700,000 metric tons of food to international customers.’

In Odessa, residents are trying to enjoy the summer weather by the sea, but even there, civilians are losing their lives due to falling drone debris.

On the other side, in Russian-controlled areas, Ukrainian drones have killed seven people, including three children.