Russia strikes Odesa to disrupt sea corridor – Ukraine's Permanent Representative to UN

Serhii Kyslytsia, Ukraine's Permanent Representative at the UN, noted at a meeting of the UN Security Council on 8 March that by choosing Odesa as one of the main targets for airstrikes, the Russians have been attempting to disrupt the functioning of the maritime corridor established by the Ukrainian Navy after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative Source: Ukrinform Quote: "Russia failed in its attempts to blackmail the international community by withdrawing from the Initiative.

However, Ukraine, steadfast in its commitment to ensuring global food security despite the ongoing war, has launched the maritime corridor and continues to enhance its efficacy."

Details: Kyslytsia stated that nearly 30 million tonnes of cargo have been exported from Odesa, Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk ports to 42 countries worldwide since August 2023, including over eight million tonnes shipped in February alone. A total of 80% of the shipments consist of agricultural products. Kyslytsia noted that exports from Ukraine's Black Sea ports reached a level comparable to that before the full-scale invasion.

He noted that the Russian Black Sea Fleet, whose strength is constantly decreasing, no longer dares to appear in the north-western part of the Black Sea, not to mention its ability to block Ukrainian ports.

Kyslytsia emphasised that all that Russia could do is launch missiles, trying to intimidate Ukraine and its trading partners, and he noted the importance of strengthening ports' air defence systems.

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