The port of Odesa, one of the key export sites for Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, was reportedly attacked by a barrage of six Russian Kalibr cruise missiles overnight, just hours after Moscow withdrew out of the UN-brokered Black Sea grain deal, which was facilitating shipments of food and fertilisers to the global market.
According to Ukrainian officials, all six missiles and drones were shot down by air defences in the Odesa region and other southern locations, while their debris and shock waves damaged some port infrastructure and a few residential buildings. One person was injured.
Ukrainian authorities released a video of what they say shows the aftermath of a Russian missile attack on Odesa, one of Ukraine's main ports for exporting grain, a day after Moscow pulled out of a UN-backed deal that let Kyiv safely export grain https://t.co/XBo3iXqRQ7 pic.twitter.com/Ux4m7xxayC
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 19, 2023
Missile Attack on Odesa Port
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, air defences shot down 31 of 36 suicide drones and all six cruise missiles launched by Russia against Odesa and other sections of the country’s south, including Mykolaiv.
Several missile attacks in the early hours of Tuesday explicitly targeted the port, according to Natalia Humenyuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s armed forces southern command, adding that officials had been expecting such a strike.
Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper claimed on social media early Wednesday that air defence systems were repelling a “massive” Russian air strike and urged residents to remain inside.
The air strike was “very powerful, truly massive,” Odesa military administration spokesperson Serhiy Bratchuk said in an audio message on his Telegram channel. “It was a hellish night,” he stated, adding that further information on the damage and casualties would be released later.
Bratchuk added that Russia’s airstrikes on the port city were intended to intimidate the world and those who want Ukraine’s key grain exports to continue.
A video that reportedly captured the aftermath of a Russian air assault on Odesa showed a multi-storey apartment building with several windows blasted out and pieces of glass on the street.
Additionally, several attacks were carried out against Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. According to Ukrainian online news, Kyiv city military administration head Serhii Popko stated that all Russian drones that had attacked the capital had been shot down. “A difficult night of air attacks for all of Ukraine… Odesa especially. But the enemy did not forget about Kyiv either,” Popko added.
Russia is striking the Port of Odesa with missile for a second night in a row.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 18, 2023
The Russians are trying to destroy Ukraine’s capacity to export large quantities of grain and food in general by sea.
Russia is trying to create a global food crisis. pic.twitter.com/m3nkLayGEf
Russia Calls it ‘Pay Back’
The strikes on Odesa came after Russia threatened retaliation for a bombing on a bridge connecting mainland Russia to the Crimean Peninsula on Monday, which Moscow blamed on Kyiv.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the “retribution strike” was carried out using sea-launched precision missiles against Ukrainian military targets near Odesa and Mykolaiv.
According to the Ministry, it destroyed facilities plotting “terror attacks” against Russia using marine drones, including one at a shipyard constructing them, adding that it also hit Ukrainian fuel depots near the two cities.
⚡️Peskov: Strikes on Odesa were revenge for Crimean Bridge attack.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) July 18, 2023
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has called Russia's overnight missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa retaliation for the explosions that damaged the Crimean Bridge on July 17. pic.twitter.com/8fyKT41cKu
Russia Terminates Grain Deal
Shortly after the Crimean Bridge was attacked on Monday, Moscow withdrew from a deal permitting grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, a move the UN claimed risked global food security.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, told reporters on Monday that Russia would not extend the agreement at this time, declaring that it “has been terminated.” The grain agreement ended because part of it, relating to Russia’s demands, had yet to be implemented.
The Kremlin added that it might rejoin the agreement if its demands were met, including Western assistance in facilitating its food and fertiliser exports, which it claims have been hindered by sanctions.