Russian Attack Damages Port Infrastructure in Odesa
Russian Missile Strike Hits Odesa Port Region, Causing Damage and Casualties
On the evening of July 4, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on the Odesa port region, causing significant damage and starting at least one fire. This attack follows reports of a drone-boat strike on the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Eastern Black Sea region.
Ukrainian officials reported that the missile strike on Odesa resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the attack targeted Chornomorsk, a crucial port area for the country. Damage was inflicted on port facilities, administrative buildings, and housing, with unconfirmed reports of explosions in the city of Odesa.
This recent attack marks a continuation of frequent assaults on the Odesa port region, which had seen a brief period of calm. The last significant attack occurred on May 1, when Russian forces targeted the port area, damaging a private postal facility and causing $76,000 in losses.
In addition to the missile strike on Odesa, Russian drones reportedly targeted multiple sites across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force identified 22 drones, claiming to have downed 21 of them.
Yesterday’s attack followed Russian reports that its forces prevented a drone attack on Novorossiysk from causing significant damage. The last round of drone attacks to reach Novorossiysk was on May 17.
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Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has been striving to boost its shipping operations from Black Sea ports. Danylo Hetmantsev, head of the parliamentary finance committee, shared data showing a 68 percent increase in shipping activity in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth comes after the lifting of restrictions from a UN-led initiative that required inspections and permits for ships entering the region.
Ukraine has expanded its shipping activities to include not only agricultural products but also metal and mining products, crucial for the country’s export income. Six seaports are now active, with major carriers like MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd restoring container services from the Black Sea ports. Additionally, Ukrainian ferry services on the Black Sea are set to resume this month.
