Russia has intensified its strikes on the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa, causing widespread power cuts and threatening the region's maritime infrastructure.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba stated that Moscow was executing systematic attacks on the area, indicating a possible shift in the war's focus towards Odesa.
President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that these repeated assaults are attempts by Moscow to obstruct Ukraine's maritime logistics.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to sever Ukraine's access to the sea in retaliation for drone strikes on Russian tankers operating in the Black Sea.
During recent attacks in Odesa, strikes impacted 120,000 residents, resulting in significant fires at major ports, destroying essential supplies like flour and vegetable oil. This comes as the region faces hundreds of strikes disrupting power and causing civilian casualties.
Odesa's strategic importance is underscored as it's now the primary port capable of facilitating grain exports, especially following the blockade of other key ports by Russian forces.
President Zelensky has emphasized the need for continued pressure on Russia to genuinely end the aggression, calling for enhanced international support as diplomatic efforts continue amidst the ongoing conflict.
