Danilov names main goal of Russian missile attacks on Odesa

He wrote about it on his Facebook page.

"The Russian missile attacks on Odesa and the region have one main goal: to completely cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea. They want to scare and hinder international efforts to restore the “grain corridor” which is essential for food supplies,” Danilov noted.

The Kremlin's plan aims to create artificial threats of famine for African countries and increase migration risks for Europe.

"The Russians believe that this blackmail will force the West to negotiate and meet Putin's demands, including resuming Russian ammonia exports and easing sanctions," he wrote.

They are targeting Ukrainian infrastructure vital for the "grain corridor" to make the world dependent on Russian grain and logistics. 

"Putin wants Russia to become the main grain supplier, like an empire in this area, after the failure of the "energy superpower" idea," Danilov noted.

Ukraine is aware of these intentions and will respond appropriately, focusing on defending its people and infrastructure. The National Security Council urges the world and the West to stand firm and give “a strong response to the Kremlin's rat”. This response should involve fully restoring the Ukrainian "grain corridor" under the international security guarantees.

What is known about the missile attack on Odesa:

During the air raid alarm on the night of July 23, the Russian army attacked Odesa with at least 5 types of missiles. As of this morning, one person died, and 22 others were injured in the attack.

Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa regional military administration, said that clearing the debris and putting out fires is still ongoing. All the necessary services are working on the ground.

Later, OC South announced that the enemy used at least 5 types of missiles during the attack at night, including Kalibr, Oniks, Kh-22, Iskander-K, and Iskander-M ballistic missiles.

The Russians destroyed the port infrastructure and damaged at least 6 residential buildings, including apartments. Many city buildings had their facades and roofs damaged, and windows were broken. Two architectural monuments were also damaged.

The Transfiguration Cathedral, Odesa's largest Orthodox church, and the House of Scientists were destroyed during the attack. In addition to significant building damage, important Orthodox shrines like the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God, Odesa's patroness, were found among the debris.

During the night of July 23, air defense units in the Odesa region destroyed 9 out of 19 enemy air targets, including 4 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles and 5 Iskander-K land-based cruise missiles.

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responded to the Russian shelling of Odesa, stating that the enemy will face consequences for this crime.