Through Russian attacks, cargo handling at Odesa ports fell by 15 times - Kalashnyk

As a result of systematic Russian strikes on port infrastructure and vessels, cargo handling at the ports of Greater Odesa after 22 July has decreased by more than 15 times.

This was reported by the Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Mykola Kalashnyk, following a meeting in Odesa, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"Russia is systematically attacking port infrastructure and civilian shipping. Under attack are ports, berths, vessels, anchorages and approach routes," he wrote on Telegram.

Kalashnyk noted that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has damaged or partially destroyed 1 173 port infrastructure facilities and 274 civilian vessels.

According to the minister, at the coordination meeting with the military command and representatives of the port business they discussed maintaining terminal operations, insurance, compensation for losses, and also finding alternative logistics routes—primarily via rail and the Danube ports.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dmytro Sibiha also stated that Russia is increasing attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure and civilian vessels and has already halted traffic in the Black Sea, which harms global food security.