Russia bombed the port of Odessa on Saturday, the Ukrainian army said, the day following the signing of an agreement between Russia and Ukraine supposed to allow the reopening of Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea for the resumption of grain exports.
“The enemy attacked the maritime trade port of Odessa with Kalibr cruise missiles; two missiles were shot down by anti-aircraft defense forces; two hit port infrastructure”, the Southern Operational Command of the Ukrainian army said on Telegram. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has called on the United Nations and Turkey, which sponsored Friday’s deal, to ensure that Russia honors its commitments regarding the security of planned Black Sea shipping lanes for grain exports. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who was personally involved in the mediation between Ukraine and Russia, “unequivocally condemns” the shelling of the port of Odessa, said a United Nations spokesman. These cereals “are desperately needed to alleviate the global food crisis and alleviate the suffering of millions of needy people around the world”spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement. “Full implementation (of Friday’s agreement) by the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Turkey is imperative.” Asked by Archyde.com, the Russian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for a reaction.
