The Russian Federation has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure, specifically targeting civilian ships and grain storage facilities.
This was reported by Oleksiy Kuleba, the Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, on Telegram.
According to him, the goal of the Russian attacks on port infrastructure is to reduce Ukraine's export potential. This includes deliberately provoking a food crisis in parts of the world that are directly dependent on Ukrainian grain supplies.
"The primary targets of Russian forces shelling are ports, civilian ships, and grain storage facilities," Kuleba stated.
He noted that over the past three months, the Russian forces has carried out nearly 60 attacks in southern Ukraine, resulting in damage to and destruction of almost 300 port infrastructure facilities, 177 vehicles, and 22 civilian ships.
Additionally, it is known that 79 civilians have been affected, including workers from ports, logistics companies, and ship crews.
"Every war crime has been documented by law enforcement. And Russia will answer for every attack against civilians, humanity, and international law," Kuleba emphasized.
On the night of October 6, the Russian Federation attacked Odessa with drones and ballistic missiles, damaging a civilian ship during the assault. Prior to this, on September 20, Russians carried out another missile strike on Odessa, resulting in damage to a civilian vessel flying the flag of Antigua.
On the evening of October 9, Russian forces launched a missile strike on Odessa region. Local authorities reported that the Russians once again targeted port infrastructure, damaging a Panamanian-flagged container ship, the Shui Spirit.
