Oct. 8, 2024, 7:58 a.m.
(Photo: main.news)
In two days, Russia attacked the second civilian vessel in the ports of Odesa region. A ballistic missile damaged the Palau-flagged OPTIMA vessel.
According to Oleksiy Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister of Communities and Territories Development, one person was killed in the Russian attack. Five other foreign nationals, crew members, were injured. They are currently receiving medical care.
"Only today the ship came in for loading. However, in a few hours it was targeted by the aggressor country," he added.
Kuleba also noted that in the last two days the enemy has damaged two vessels that were supposed to export cargo from Ukraine. In his opinion, this is a deliberate practice of intimidation and obstruction of the Ukrainian sea corridor.
"In this way, the aggressor is trying to disrupt shipping in the Black Sea again and undermine Ukrainian efforts to ensure food security," he wrote.
The official believes that this can only lead to increased instability in sensitive regions of the world that depend on food imports and unrest in international relations.
"It is important that port infrastructure is protected from terrorism and that free and safe navigation is guaranteed. We must continue to strengthen our air defense and bring the enemy to justice with the power of weapons and the power of diplomacy," he added.
The day before, on October 6, Russians fired on the civilian shipPARESA flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was loaded with corn for export. It happened near one of the berths in the Pivdennyi seaport. It was the 20th civilian vessel to be damaged by Russian attacks.
Russian occupation forces are shelling Odesa region with missiles and drones almost daily. For example, on the night of October 3, the Russians attacked the energy infrastructure in the Ivanivska community of Berezivskyi district of Odesa region.
On the night of October 2, the Izmail district of Odesa region became the target of the occupiers. The enemy sent attack drones there. Numerous explosions were heard in the region. The Ukrainian air defense system was engaged in combat operations. Due to the attack, the Orlivka checkpoint in Odesa region temporarily suspended its passage operations.
The invader targeted the port and border infrastructure. Two truck drivers were wounded in the attack, one of them a Turkish citizen. The injured were hospitalized, their condition is assessed as moderate, and doctors are providing the necessary assistance.
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