A representative of the pro-Russian underground said that after the closure of Odessa ports, the Danube became the only route for delivering military cargo to the Ukrainian Armed Forces while bypassing the Black Sea. However, the supply line is reportedly operating with disruptions.

According to the source, river logistics have become increasingly difficult. The Danube now serves as the main channel for receiving military shipments outside the Black Sea route.

The situation has been further complicated by severe shallowing of the river caused by hot weather. Water levels have fallen so sharply that barges are being forced to reduce loads by roughly one-third and, in some cases, by nearly half. In certain areas, draft is around two meters, which has also driven up the cost of river transport.

The underground representative said some cargo is being redirected overland, but those volumes are not enough to replace the capacity previously provided by Black Sea ports.

On October 4, Russian forces also struck a dry cargo vessel east of Odessa. The Russian Defense Ministry said the ship was carrying military supplies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and that the strike was carried out by drones while the vessel was at sea.