The intensity of attacks on port infrastructure in 2025 has increased significantly. In particular, 90 combined strikes were recorded over the year—twice as many as last year, according to Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksiy Kuleba.
He specified that in the Odessa region alone, nearly 800 air raid alerts have sounded since the beginning of the year, with a total duration of over 30 days—more than a month.
“Russia is essentially striking Ukrainian ports daily with missiles and drones, trying to destroy logistics, complicate exports, and undermine global food security (…) Despite this, hundreds of port workers, energy specialists, and other professionals ensure the operation of logistical infrastructure and the stability of maritime export routes every day, continuously handling cargo,” the Deputy Prime Minister assured.
Kuleba emphasized that, under such conditions, having shelters directly on port premises is critically important. They allow workers to quickly move to safe locations, which is vital in the event of ballistic strikes that arrive within minutes.
The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, together with the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) and with the support of partners, is currently expanding the network of mobile shelters in all ports of Odessa and Mykolaiv regions. More than 50 mobile protective structures have already been installed, along with over 30 permanent shelters.
“It is important that port operators and private companies are joining this effort, having set up dozens of their own protective facilities. This is one of the mandatory conditions of cooperation: every worker must have access to a reliable safe place during an alert,” the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.
Kuleba added that the Ministry is working with the military to strengthen the protection of the ports themselves.
“For security reasons, we do not disclose details, but we are conducting systematic work with the Defense Forces in coordination with other services and international partners. Despite the enemy’s terror and daily combined attacks, the ports continue to operate, and maritime logistics are maintained,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
