Ukrainian Ports, Black Sea Terrorized by Russia, 300 Vessels Damaged - Ports Association Chief Speaks Out
Russia has been attacking Ukrainian ports since the start of the full-scale invasion, with strikes intensifying in recent months. Systematic attacks on port infrastructure and commercial vessels, particularly grain carriers in Odesa and nearby ports, have severely disrupted operations and exports. Ukrport head Dmytro Barinov discusses the impact on Ukraine’s economy, global trade, and the…
Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and the Black Sea have intensified, targeting civilian infrastructure rather than military facilities. Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi ports, vital for exporting grain, metal products, and other Ukrainian goods, have faced hundreds of drone and missile strikes. These attacks have sunk ships and damaged dozens of commercial vessels, posing a threat to global food security.
Dmytro Barinov, President of the Ukrainian Ports Association, explains that the Russian attacks intensified in July 2026, targeting vessels both in and out of ports. This has led shipowners and masters to avoid Ukrainian Black Sea ports due to the danger to seafarers. The attacks have caused significant damage to port infrastructure and vessels, with over 300 ships damaged and more than 200 people killed or injured.
While partial solutions like exporting grain through Romanian or Polish ports or using the Danube River exist, they cannot fully replace the deep-sea Black Sea ports. Barinov suggests that a possible solution may involve increasing pressure on Russia through targeted strikes to achieve a maritime ceasefire.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
