“The attack cast serious doubt on the credibility of Russia’s commitment,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, adding that it “undermines the work of the UN, Turkey, and Ukraine to get critical food to world markets.” Speaking to CNN within hours of the attack, Ukrainian member of parliament Oleksiy Goncharenko said Russia was “showing they want to continue to threaten the world’s food security.” Russia’s apparent coda to the grain agreement it had signed has been deplored by Ukraine and its allies – and widely held as proof of its duplicity. Beachgoers in Odesa, who last year jostled for spots on the sand with Russian holidaymakers, cheered as the intercept detonated high above their heads. The damage could have been much worse two more of the $6 million precision missiles had been shot down by Ukraine’s air defense.
Outrage as Russian missiles strike Odesa port one day after grain export deal agreed Russian missile strikes hit the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa just one day after Ukraine and Russia agreed on a deal that would allow the resumption of vital grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. According to officials, one harbor worker was injured. Firemen rushed to the port to put out flames on several burning boats. Windows were blown out in buildings almost a mile away. Less than 24 hours after its signing, the post-deal calm in Odesa – the principle port named in the accord – was shattered as two sea-launched Russian Kalibr cruise missiles slammed into the harbor. There is no explicit ceasefire in the deal, but Russia’s obligations were clearly spelled out: “The Russian Federation has committed to facilitate the unimpeded export of food, sunflower oil and fertilizers,” a statement from Guterres’ office said. Sadly for Guterres and all those counting on the much-needed food, his months of diplomatic slog – including visits to Moscow and Kyiv to nail the deal – ultimately illuminated the limitations of trusting Russia. Immediately following the signatures by Russia, Ukraine, and intermediary Turkey, the UN secretary general said the deal offered a “beacon of hope,” heralding food relief for the developing world. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres looked simultaneously relieved and apprehensive as the grain export deal he brokered was signed in front of him in Istanbul on Friday.
0 kommentar(er)
