Ukraine says it plans to continue grain exports despite the attack.
16:00•Updated 16:10
Russia has fired on the port of Odessa, Ukraine said on Saturday. Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement to ensure grain exports only on Friday.
According to Ukraine, Russia had used Kalibr missiles in its attacks on the port, says a Russian news website Meduza (you will switch to another service). Russia has not commented on the attack.
Spokesman of the Ukrainian army Yuriy Ignat tells AFP that the attack was aimed at the part of the port where grain is loaded onto ships.
– In the port of Odessa, the blow hit where the grain is loaded. Two missiles hit buildings, where of course there was grain, says Ignat.
The attack was widely condemned. For example, the Secretary General of the UN António Guterres “unequivocally condemns” the missile strikes on the port of Odessa. The matter will be reported in the press release of the Secretary General in the bulletin (you will switch to another service).
Only yesterday, Guterres was present in Istanbul when Ukraine and Russia agreed to enable grain shipments from Ukrainian ports, such as Odessa.
– This again shows Russia’s complete disregard for international laws and agreements, says Borrell.
Also the US ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink calls Russia to account for the attack on Twitter.
– Outrageous. Russia attacked the port of Odessa less than a day after signing an agreement to allow the export of agricultural products. The Kremlin continues to use food as a weapon. Russia must be held accountable.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Nikolenko according to which Russia is responsible for the global food crisis if the agreement signed by the parties is not implemented.
– This blow is like [Venäjän presidentti] Vladimir Putin Spit from the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the President of Turkey Recep [Tayyip] Erdoğan towards. They have done a tremendous amount of work to reach the agreement, Nikolenko said.
According to Ukraine’s minister responsible for infrastructure, grain exports are going to continue despite the attacks.