Russia attacks Ukrainian ports 118 times after withdrawal from grain deal

The Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov shared the information, Reuters reports.

According to him, the Russian military launched 118 strikes on Ukrainian ports after Russia withdrew from the safe passage agreement, and that about a third of the port infrastructure was damaged or destroyed.

It is noted that Romania plans to double the monthly amount of grain that Ukraine can transit through the port of Constanța in the coming months.

The minister said that the goal of doubling the capacity should be achieved in early October, which "can help us solve at least 50% of our exports."

Work of the grain corridor: more details

On 17 July, Russia announced the termination of the grain deal. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it was necessary to continue using the grain corridor even despite Russia's withdrawal from the agreement. And Kuleba began urgent consultations at the UN.

On July 30, despite the completion of the grain deal, three civilian cargo ships of foreign origin passed the Russian blockade in the Black Sea and anchored in one of Ukraine's grain ports in the Danube Delta.

Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said on August 4 that Ukraine will send ships with its own grain to wherever it deems necessary and will not ask anyone for permission.

On August 10, the Ukrainian Navy announced a temporary humanitarian corridor for merchant ships sailing to and from Ukrainian ports.

On August 16, the first vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced that it will terminate the grain deal on July 16, 2023. On the same day, the UN Food Organization emphasized the need to renew the grain agreement to overcome the global crisis.

On Saturday, August 26, the second vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced the termination of the grain deal on July 16, 2023.

On September 1, two more vessels blocked due to the war left the Pivdennyi port in Odesa region.

On September 16, another foreign vessel blocked due to the war has left the Odesa seaport and headed to the Bosphorus through the temporary corridor.