Ukraine Port Calls Halt After Russian Strikes Intensify
Agricultural ships have stopped calling at Ukrainian ports after Russian strikes on port infrastructure, while officials say an export blockade is premature.
Ships carrying agricultural products have stopped calling at Ukrainian seaports following an increase in Russian strikes on port infrastructure, according to Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky.
Vysotsky said Ukrainian ports had until recently received four or five vessels a day. Although that level of traffic was limited, maritime shipping had continued to operate. Vessel arrivals have now stopped completely.
The minister told Strana.ua that the suspension was a decision made by shipowners and that the Ukrainian authorities had imposed no restrictions. The pause has lasted four days, while there is still no clear indication of when ships will begin entering the ports again.
At the same time, Vysotsky said it was too early to describe the situation as a complete blockade of Ukraine’s maritime exports.
On the evening of July 22, reports emerged that Russian drones had struck four dry cargo vessels and one bulk carrier allegedly used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The ships were hit in the Black Sea and at the port of Chernomorsk.
On the morning of July 23, the Russian Defense Ministry reported an overnight attack on port infrastructure in Odessa. According to the ministry, the strikes targeted facilities used to unload and store military cargo.
Russian forces also hit a production workshop manufacturing drone components and a warehouse containing completed unmanned aerial vehicles.