ALBAWABA - In an ongoing development, Russia persists in launching drone strikes on port cities within Ukraine's southern Odessa region, causing injuries to two individuals.
The attack occurred just a day before a scheduled meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their discussions were focused on the potential resumption of food shipments from Ukraine, a matter related to the Black Sea grain agreement that Moscow terminated back in July.
In this recent incident, Russian forces launched a total of 25 Iranian-made Shahed drones near the Danube River during the early hours of Sunday. Ukrainian air defenses promptly responded, successfully intercepting and downing 22 of these drones, as reported by the Ukrainian air force via Telegram.
The attacks resulted in at least two people being wounded. Fortunately, fires ignited during these attacks were promptly extinguished.
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed his concerns on social media, remarking, "Russian militants persist in targeting Ukraine's port facilities, with hopes of inciting a global food crisis."
Adding to the tension, Russia's decision not to renew the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement after its expiration on July 17, 2023, citing unresolved obstacles to its food product sales, has exacerbated the situation. Russia, seeking to hinder Ukraine's grain exports, has increased its use of force by targeting Ukrainian ports surrounding the Tuna River, a vital route for grain exports.
