The Odessa region of southern Ukraine has been shelled for the third night in a row. Explosions were heard again near the harbour. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the launch of supersonic anti-ship missiles. In light of Russia’s exit from the grain deal, the US warned of attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian governors reported eleven injured in Russian attacks on the Ukrainian port cities of Odessa and Mykolaiv on Thursday night. “The Russians hit the center of Mykolaiv,” said the region’s governor. Four adults and five children were injured.
In the city of Odessa, two people have been taken to hospital, according to local governor Oleg Kiper. There is “destruction in the center of Odessa”.
Russians watch Black Sea ports
There are three ports in Odessa and the region that were part of the agreement to export Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. This agreement expired on Monday and Russia had refused to renew it. Since then, Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly reported Russian attacks on the region. Over the past two nights, Russia had already launched airstrikes in the Black Sea region of Odessa, which is important for grain exports.
Attacks on civilian ships?
The US now also considers attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea possible. “The Russian military could expand its attacks on Ukrainian grain mills, including attacks on civilian ships,” Adam Hodge, spokesman for the US National Security Council, said Wednesday. Newly released intelligence information would indicate “that Russia has laid additional naval mines in the entrances to Ukrainian ports”.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that from Thursday all ships in the Black Sea bound for Ukraine will be classified as “carrying potential military cargo”. In addition, countries whose flag cargo ships sail to Ukrainian ports would be considered parties to the conflict on the part of Kiev in the future.
Source: Krone
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