(Reuters) – Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia carried out an air attack on Izmail port, one of Ukraine’s main grain exporting ports. This attack occurred just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan were scheduled to hold talks. The Ukrainian air force advised residents of Izmail port to seek shelter after midnight on Monday, and there were reports of blasts in the area.
The meeting between Putin and Erdogan was significant as Ankara and the United Nations were trying to revive a Ukraine grain export deal, which had previously helped alleviate a global food crisis. Ankara emphasized the importance of these talks for the success of the deal. In July, Russia withdrew from the deal, which had been brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, citing obstacles to its own food and fertilizer exports and inadequate grain distribution to countries in need.
Since leaving the Black Sea grain deal, Russia has launched multiple attacks on the Danube River ports, which have become Ukraine’s primary route for grain exports. The scale of the attack on Monday is not yet known. This attack follows Russia’s strikes on Reni, another significant Danube port, on Sunday. Those strikes resulted in damage to the port’s infrastructure and caused injuries to at least two individuals.
It is worth noting that these developments come as Putin and Erdogan were preparing to meet in Sochi, a Russian Black Sea resort. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the Ukraine grain export deal, with both Ankara and the United Nations seeking its revival.
The situation is clearly a cause for concern as it not only threatens the stability of Ukraine’s grain exports but also disrupts the global food supply chain. The attacks on the ports are further escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides experiencing economic consequences.
As the situation unfolds, it is important for international leaders and organizations to address this issue urgently. The repercussions of these attacks and the potential disruption to the grain export deal can have far-reaching implications for global food security.
This incident highlights the continued volatile relationship between Russia and Ukraine, with their conflicts extending beyond political spheres and directly impacting vital economic sectors.
Reporting on the events was provided by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne, and the article was edited by Gerry Doyle.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
