Russian missiles struck Ukraine's port of Odesa hours after both countries agreed upon resuming grain exports from Ukraine. Reportedly, the missiles haven't caused significant damage.
The Guardian reported Russia targeted Ukraine’s main port of Odesa through which grain shipments would take place. The attacks, coming so soon after the signing of the grain deal in Istanbul, drew immediate condemnation.
Ukrinform reported quoting Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman of the Odesa regional governor, "The enemy struck the Odesa Commercial Sea Port with Kalibr-type cruise missiles. Two missiles were shot down by air defence forces. Two hit the port’s infrastructure facilities." Following the quadrilateral meeting of Ukraine, Turkey, the UN and Russia in Istanbul on July 22, an agreement was signed to allow exports of grain and other foodstuffs from the ports of Ukraine. According to the deal, it is planned to transport Ukrainian grain for export through the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk. The resumption of agricultural exports from Ukrainian ports can bring $1 billion in foreign currency revenue every month.
Guardian reported that the deal was seen crucial to curb soaring global food prices. it was also a blow to the political positions of Russia itself. If anyone in the world could still say that some kind of dialogue with it, with Russia, some kind of agreements are needed, see what is happening. Today's Russian Kalibr missiles have destroyed the very possibility for such statements.
And we see the absolute unanimity of the world's reaction to this strike. Condemning the strike, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “ The occupiers can no longer deceive anyone. Among other things, as a result of this strike, the building of the Odesa Art Museum was also damaged. The missiles hit very close to the historical objects of Odesa – something that is an asset not only for Ukrainian culture but also for the culture of Europe.”
“This apparent Russian barbarism brings us even closer to obtaining the very weapons we need for our victory,” he added.
