A major Ukrainian port has been rocked by explosions just one day after Moscow and Kyiv signed a historic agreement to resume grain exports.
Odesa was struck by two missiles early on Saturday morning, according to the Ukrainian military.
Russia pledged to refrain from attacking ports while grain supplies were in transit as part of the agreement reached on Friday.
Russian authorities, according to Turkey’s defence minister, denied carrying out the strikes.
Hulu said Akar issued a brief statement saying, “In our communication with Russia, the Russians told us that they had absolutely nothing to do with this attack and that they were reviewing the problem very seriously and in-depth.
Josep Borrell, the head of the EU’s foreign policy, claimed that the attack had demonstrated Russia’s “complete disdain” for international law.
He tweeted that the incident was “especially despicable” and that the EU “strongly condemns” it. The target was “critical for grain export,” he added.
Unanimously denouncing the assault, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the necessity of fully implementing the grain agreement reached by Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey.
A UN official further stated that “these products are vitally needed to solve the global food crisis and reduce the suffering of millions of people in need around the world.”
Two Kalibr missiles struck the port, according to a statement on social media from the southern command centre of the Ukrainian military, while two more were shot down by air defence systems.
A local MP named Oleksiy Honcharenko reported on Telegram that the city’s port had taken fire following the hit.
With one hand, these scumbags sign contracts; with the other, they launch missiles, Mr. Honcharenko wrote.
However, a representative for the southern command of the Ukrainian military claimed that the strike had no significant effects on the port.
The port infrastructure wasn’t seriously harmed, according to Nataliia Humeniuk. “These rockets are not utilised very frequently because they are rather expensive. They allegedly hit purposely and are very accurate.”