In response to “Russian terrorists” who have attacked the world’s food supply, the world “must respond,” according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the Danube River city of Izmail, near Odesa, drones attacked a warehouse where Ukraine’s grain exports were stored.
Approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of grain headed for Africa, China, and Israel were destroyed after a fire broke out at industrial and port facilities, causing equipment damage.
The following message was uploaded by Zelensky on Telegram: “Russian terrorists have once again targeted ports, grain facilities, and global food security.
“The world must act,”
Explosions and a sizable fire are visible in video taken by Romanian fishermen on the opposite bank of the river.
Attacks followed Russia’s termination of a contract that permitted Ukrainian shipments to be made from the Black Sea port to international markets.
In a Facebook update, Ukraine’s South operational command stated: “The enemy’s goal was clearly the facilities of the ports and industrial infrastructure of the region.”
In the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, where people struggle with high food prices and famine, Ukraine is a significant provider of wheat, maize, vegetable oil, and other agricultural products.
In defiance of a de facto blockade Russia reinstituted in mid-July, buildings at the port of Izmail were also demolished, and ships were stopped as they prepared to load up with Ukrainian grain.
Since Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports in mid-July, the port, which is across the river from NATO member Romania, has served as the primary alternate route for grain exports out of Ukraine.
By convincing merchants that the ports are hazardous to use, Kyiv claims the aim of the strikes is to reimpose Russia’s blockade.
In a statement, American ambassador Bridget Brink denounced the strikes and listed recent Russian targets, including “Homes. Ports. cereal silos. historic structures. Men, women, and kids.
Round-the-clock and escalating Russian attacks on Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Kherson once again demonstrate Russia’s lack of interest in peace, disregard for the safety of civilians, and disregard for people across the world who depend on Ukrainian food.
