UK Intelligence explains why Russia is attacking Odesa and its ports after withdrawing from grain deal
The UK intelligence has reported that since 18 July, Russia has increased the number of attacks on Odesa and port infrastructure in the south of Ukraine after the decision to withdraw from the grain deal. The UK believes that the Kremlin is targeting the ports because it believes that Ukraine is storing military equipment there.
Source: UK Defence Intelligence report on Twitter on 25 July; European Pravda
Details: The intelligence said Russia, during these attacks, used a large number of heavy Kh-22 missiles, which were originally intended to destroy aircraft carriers.
The UK Intelligence recalled that several granaries in the port of Chornomorsk, as well as the historical centre of Odesa, were damaged due to Russian attacks. On 24 July, Russia attacked docks on the Danube River, approximately 200 metres from the Romanian border with drones.
The review says that between August 2022 and June 2023, when the Black Sea Grain Initiative was still in force, Russia generally withheld attacks on civil infrastructure in the southern ports.
Quote: "Since Russia failed to renew the deal, the Kremlin likely feels less politically constrained, and is attempting to strike targets in Odesa because it believes Ukraine is storing military assets in these areas."
The intelligence emphasised that Russian missile strikes have been characterised by poor intelligence and an inefficient target selection process since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Background:
- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis called the latest Russian attack a serious threat to the security of the Black Sea.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova condemned Russia's attack on the Danube port infrastructure in Odesa Oblast.
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