Russian attacks damage/destroy 27 port facilities, 5 civilian vessels

During the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, participants discussed Russia's obstruction of free navigation in the Black Sea and condemned Russia's targeted attacks on the port infrastructure of southern Ukraine.

Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine reported this, Ukrinform says.

"Over the past 9 days alone, 26 port infrastructure facilities and 5 civilian vessels have been damaged or partially destroyed as a result of Russian attacks. Russians also restrict shipping in the temporarily occupied Crimea and near the territorial waters of Bulgaria. By doing so, Russia is blocking the movement of ships towards Ukrainian seaports," Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, said.

The participants discussed Russia's obstruction of free navigation in the Black Sea. They jointly condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Grain Initiative and its targeted missile and drone attacks on the port infrastructure of southern Ukraine.

"We must act quickly and decisively. We cannot allow the blockade of the Black Sea by Russian troops. This could lead not only to losses for the Ukrainian economy but also to a serious food crisis in the world, particularly in such humanitarian sensitive regions as Africa and Asia. We are already discussing possible ways to counteract the enemy's cynical attacks and obstruction of free trade shipping," the deputy prime minister emphasized.

Kubrakov thanked the NATO allies for the decision to strengthen their intelligence activities in the Black Sea and expressed hope that this would help stabilize the security situation and create conditions for the resumption of normal operation of Ukrainian ports.

As a result of the night attack on Odesa region by the occupiers, Kalibr missiles destroyed the port's administrative building, damaged the production facilities of one of the terminals, and killed a security guard. The number of damaged port facilities reached 27.

As reported, on Wednesday, July 26, the first-ever meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. This new format of political cooperation was established at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and provides for Ukraine's participation on an equal footing with NATO member states. It is also a tool for bringing Ukraine closer to NATO membership.