The Ukrainian Maritime Cluster once again condemns russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine and attacks on civilian and infrastructure objects. Today, the maritime infrastructure was attacked once again – the Odesa Sea Port, the building of the station hotel were severely damaged, and a grain storage objects was destroyed in Odesa region.
Since 18 July, when the “grain deal” was suspended, russian attacks in Ukraine have damaged more than 105 port infrastructure objects.
“After the termination of the grain initiative, there were more than 8 attacks on the port infrastructure of Odesa and the Danube, which led to the loss of about 270,000 tonnes of grain that was contracted and was supposed to go to foreign markets,” said Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, at a briefing at the Ukraine Media Centre on 29 August.
In its turn, the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster identifies the challenges that have arisen as a result of the destruction or partial damage to the country’s port infrastructure.
– Economic losses: resulted in significant economic losses for the region and the country. Ports are key hubs for international trade, and their inaccessibility leads to loss of income and jobs.
– Changes in trade strategies: Companies and countries are changing their trade strategies. They are forced to look for other routes and ports to reduce risks.
– Changes in geopolitical relations: Attacks on ports affect geopolitical relations between countries and create new geostrategic challenges.
– Impact on supply chains: Attacks create disruptions in supply chains, leading to delays in the supply of other goods.
– Restoration and construction of new ports: After Ukraine’s victory and restoration of the state’s borders within the 1991 borders, it will be necessary to audit Ukraine’s port infrastructure on the Black and Azov Seas, develop and implement measures to optimise, restore and further function.
– Global food crisis: Ukraine is one of the leaders in the agricultural sector, accounting for up to 10% of the global wheat market, 15% of the corn market and 50% of the sunflower oil market. Currently, the food chain is partially broken, and the destruction of grain and other foodstuffs is leading to famine in some countries. According to experts, the world is facing “the worst famine since the Second World War”.
Attacks on maritime infrastructure and the destruction of food could lead to a global crisis. In general, maritime transport is an important component of global logistics and is beneficial for many industries and international trade due to its capacity and cost efficiency.
– The darkest hour is before the dawn. Ukraine will rebuild all the facilities destroyed by the enemy and restore its capabilities. The Ukrainian Maritime Cluster is already working on the Strategy for the Development of Ukrainian Shipbuilding together with government agencies, stakeholders and international partners. We will overcome all obstacles, Ukraine will be a powerful maritime state and a reliable food partner,” said Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of the PU “Ukrainian Maritime Cluste”.
A global appeal:
The United States of America has called on members of the UN Security Council to work together to put pressure on Russia to stop using food as a weapon and to stop its barbaric attacks on Ukrainian ports, which have global consequences. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the statement at a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Russia’s attacks have global consequences. These are attacks on global food supplies, on all those who are hungry, malnourished and food insecure, especially in those parts of the world that can least afford it,” the US representative said.
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Moldovan President Maia Sandu strongly condemned Russia’s attacks on the port infrastructure of Odesa region.
She wrote about this on social network X (formerly Twitter), Ukrinform reports.
“I strongly condemn Russia’s brutal attack on port infrastructure in Odesa region. Russia must be held accountable for every destroyed piece of infrastructure. My thoughts are with all the victims,” Sandu said.
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Russia’s attack on Ukraine as a permanent member of the UN Security Council undermines the credibility of the United Nations itself. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Nanaya Mahuta, during her speech at the general debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“It was and remains shocking to witness a permanent member of the UN Security Council launch an unprovoked attack on a sovereign state, attempting to annex its territory and waging war against its civilian population. Russia’s actions violate the fundamental principles of international law. How can the younger generation trust the UN when a permanent member of the Security Council acts in a way that is so fundamentally contrary to the UN Charter?” she said.
Makhuta stressed that Russia must be held accountable for this aggression in international courts.
“New Zealand strongly supports efforts to bring Russia to justice in both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court,” she said.
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The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) has signed a Memorandum with the ports of South Louisiana and New Orleans (USA) on cooperation in the areas of technical planning, development, construction, administration, operation and maintenance of port infrastructure.