Russia believes Ukraine keeps military weapons in Odesa - UK intelligence

This is reported by the UK Defense Ministry. 

The intelligence notes that since July 18, 2023, Russia has intensified long-range strikes on Odesa and other areas of southern Ukraine. These attacks used an unusual number of AS-4 KITCHEN (Kh-22) missiles weighing 5.5 tons, designed to destroy aircraft carriers. 

For example, in the port of Chornomorsk, south of Odesa, several grain storage facilities and the historic city center were damaged. In addition, on July 24, Russia launched a 'kamikaze' drone strike on docks on the Danube River, about 200 meters from the Romanian border.

The UK Defense Ministry believes that between August 2022 and June 2023, when the Black Sea Grain Initiative was still in effect, Russia generally refrained from striking civilian infrastructure in southern ports. And now that the Kremlin cannot extend the deal, it probably feels less politically constrained and is eager to strike targets in Odesa.

According to intelligence reports, Russia believes that Ukraine maintains military weapons in these areas. Instead, since the beginning of the war, the Russian strike campaign has been characterized by poor intelligence and dysfunctional targeting.

Russian attack on Odesa region on July 24: what is known

On the night of July 24, the Russian army launched another attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa region using 'kamikaze' drones.

As of the evening, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, noted that the number of victims had increased to seven. Two of them were treated on the spot. Five were hospitalized, one of whom is in a serious condition in intensive care. His condition has been stabilized and he is being prepared to be transferred to a highly specialized medical facility.

Ihor Plekhov, the head of the Reni community, said that during a night attack by Shahed drones, Russian troops struck their port. It was reported that three grain warehouses were destroyed. About 15 Shaheds were spotted. Residents of Reni and neighboring villages heard a number of explosions.

The blast wave also damaged the windows of buildings and houses in the port of Reni. Rescuers quickly extinguished the fires.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemned Russia's attack on the port infrastructure of the city of Reni.

"I strongly condemn the recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure on Danube, very close to Romania. This recent escalation poses serious risks to the security in the Black Sea. It also affects further Ukrainian grain transit and thus the global food security," he tweeted. 

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense issued a separate statement in which it emphasized that it strongly condemns the aggressive war against Ukraine waged by the Russian Federation and the unjustified and illegal attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure of Ukraine, which violate all international rules, as well as moral and humanitarian norms.