Moreover, the Russians have recently resumed shelling the Black Sea ports near Odessa, threatening to halt Ukrainian grain exports once again. This also happened at the start of the Russian war.
EU Billions
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen condemned Moscow's "horrible atrocities" following the latest deadly attack in Kiev and said that Ukraine would soon receive 1.4 billion euros, originating from Russian assets.
The shortage of Patriot missiles makes Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to Russian attacks. The recent Russian strike again clearly demonstrated how dependent Ukraine is on sufficient ammunition for its Patriot air defense systems. During the attack, 28 ballistic and hypersonic missiles were launched.
Promotion
According to Ukrainian authorities, none of these Russian missiles were intercepted, although the majority of the deployed Russian drones were shot down. At least seventeen people were killed and 44 others were injured during the attack.
Gulf War
President Zelenskyy warned that delayed deliveries of air defense missiles directly lead to more casualties. According to Ukraine, Patriot systems remain the most important means to stop ballistic missiles, but available ammunition is insufficient.
The war against Iran has further reduced the availability of American Patriot missiles since the same supplies are needed elsewhere. The US now requires them for air defense of numerous American bases in the Middle East that lie within range of Iranian missiles.
While Ukraine requests additional air defense, it is itself conducting attacks on Russian refineries, storage facilities, tankers, and logistics centers. This has caused a clear decline in Russian exports of petroleum products and crude oil, thereby reducing the income of the Russian war chest.
Black Sea Ports
Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea. The region around Odessa is hit almost daily. Port facilities, logistics infrastructures, and civilian vessels are targeted, seriously disrupting the export of Ukrainian agricultural products again. Foreign cargo ships carrying grain have also been damaged.
The consequences for Ukrainian agricultural exports are significant. More than thirty million tons of grain and oilseeds risk being difficult to export. Exports through the sea ports dropped sharply last month, while alternative routes by rail, road, the Danube, and neighboring countries lack sufficient capacity to replace the deep-sea ports of Greater Odessa.
Food Shortages
According to Ukrainian officials, prolonged disruptions to the ports could have consequences beyond the war itself. Because alternative routes can only cover part of the former capacity, shortages on international food markets and higher food prices are threatened in countries dependent on grain from the Black Sea region. At the same time, Ukrainian authorities are trying to support the financial position of farmers as export opportunities continue to diminish.