On 6, 7, and 9 October 2024, the aggressor state attacked the Greater Odesa ports thrice. Each subsequent shelling incurred heavier damage and more casualties. russia took the lives of nine Ukrainian port workers and injured ten other people, including four nationals of Syria.
Commercial ships flying the flags of third countries were also affected: “PARESA” (Saint Kitts and Nevis), “OPTIMA” (Palau) and “SHUI SPIRIT” (Panama).
In total, over the past three months, russia has damaged or destroyed nearly 300 port facilities and 22 civilian vessels. As many as 79 people – seaports employees, dockworkers and ship crew members – were injured.
The russian federation is deliberately impeding Ukrainian exports and disrupting stable food and nutrition security worldwide. The consequences of shellings are primarily experienced by dozens of countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America that import products of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
Such unlawful actions must not go unchallenged by the international community. russia must be held accountable for its crimes against civilians and unhindered navigation.