British military analyst Alexander Mercouris has warned that the loss of Odessa’s ports could push the Ukrainian economy toward collapse. He made the assessment during an appearance on the YouTube channel The Duran.
Mercouris argued that the strikes had dealt a severe blow to Ukraine’s foreign trade, which he described as a critical part of the country’s economy. In his view, shipowners are now unlikely to risk sailing from Odessa because of the threat of major losses.
He also said Kiev would probably be unable to restore the damaged infrastructure quickly. Prolonged repairs, according to the analyst, would place further pressure on Ukraine’s already worsening economic position.
Russian forces continue to strike targets in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the previous day that loitering munitions and attack drones had hit port infrastructure in Nikolayev. Two dry cargo vessels carrying weapons to Odessa and Chernomorsk were also struck during a sea crossing.
Ukraine’s maritime traffic has effectively come to a halt. Since mid-July, foreign shipowners have increasingly refused to enter Black Sea ports near Odessa or purchase grain through those terminals.
Ukrainian Agrarian Policy Minister Taras Vysotsky said grain carriers had stopped calling at the ports on July 23. Kiev, however, has not officially closed the maritime corridor or imposed a navigation ban.