
Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s Odesa port killed six and injured eleven, escalating tensions in the Black Sea region.
At a Glance
- Russian missiles hit Odesa port infrastructure, killing 6 and injuring 11 Ukrainians
- The attack targeted Chornomorsk, marking the third strike in four days
- A Panamanian-flagged containership, Shui Spirit, was damaged in the attack
- The strike is seen as an attempt to disrupt Ukraine’s grain exports
- Ukrainian officials urge international action to protect freedom of navigation
Deadly Missile Strike on Odesa Port
On October 9, 2024, Russian forces executed a missile strike on the strategic Odesa port in Ukraine, resulting in six fatalities and injuries to eleven individuals. The attack targeted the southern port city of Chornomorsk, marking the third assault in the region over the last four days. Odesa Regional Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed that all casualties were Ukrainian, with several victims in critical condition. Emergency services are currently providing medical care to those affected.
The missile strike damaged the Shui Spirit, a Panamanian-flagged containership, highlighting the attack’s impact on maritime operations. This incident is believed to be part of Russia’s efforts to disrupt Ukraine’s grain corridor following Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.
Five people killed in Russian missile strike on cargo vessel at port in Odesa, Ukraine, marking third strike this week on vessel traveling key grain corridor https://t.co/hEMPh3gUHq
— Factal News (@factal) October 9, 2024
Escalating Tensions in the Black Sea
The recent attack is part of a series of aggressive operations by Russian forces in the region. Previous missile strikes included an attack on a Palau-flagged vessel, which killed one Ukrainian and injured five foreign nationals. Another strike targeted a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship loaded with corn in the port of Pivdennyi.
These attacks have forced cargo ships to reroute through Romanian waters to Turkey since the end of the Black Sea grain deal. The disruption of Ukraine’s grain exports has raised concerns about global food security and the stability of maritime trade in the region.
#UPDATE A Russian ballistic missile strike on port infrastructure in Ukraine's southern Odesa region killed six people and wounded 11 others on Wednesday, authorities said.
The attack struck a civilian container ship flying the flag of Panama, according to the region's governor…— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 9, 2024
International Response and Concerns
Ukrainian officials are urging international organizations to condemn the attacks and take action to protect freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The repeated strikes on port infrastructure and civilian vessels have heightened tensions and raised concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the area.
As of now, Russian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the attack. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While Ukraine continues to produce grain and feed the world amidst a full-scale war, Russia is killing civilians and undermining global food security.
Six people were killed and 11 others injured in Russia’s strike on the port infrastructure of the Odesa region. The aggressor… pic.twitter.com/r1NVJLy1Hc
— Andriy Kostin (@AndriyKostinUa) October 9, 2024
Sources:
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-missile-attack-ukraines-odesa-port-region-kills-six-governor-says-2024-10-09/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-10-09/russian-missile-attack-on-ukraines-odesa-port-region-kills-six-governor-says
- https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/russian-missile-strike-damages-ukraines-odesa-port-infrastructure-6-dead-11-injured/
- https://www.marinelink.com/news/six-die-russian-attack-odesa-517931
- https://shippingwatch.com/carriers/article17526596.ece
- https://english.nv.ua/nation/odesa-oblast-russia-intensifies-ballistic-strikes-to-disrupt-maritime-corridor-50457304.html
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/10/why-is-russia-bombing-ships-carrying-ukrainian-grain
- https://shippingwatch.com/carriers/article17525322.ece
- https://www.barrons.com/news/russian-strike-kills-six-in-south-ukraine-authorities-5b2dfb31
- https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russia-strikes-odesa-region-with-ballistic-1728504820.html