Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Moscow of having “deliberately targeted” sites used to export its cereals

2023-07-19 12:41:32

There are no more “security guarantees” in the Black Sea. Three days after the expiry of the agreement securing Ukrainian grain exports, Odessa was hit again, Wednesday July 19, for the second night in a row. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused, on TelegramRussia to have “deliberately targeted” sites used for grain export. Twelve people were injured, according to the local governor, who had asked the population to take shelter. The Odessa region is home to the three ports through which Ukraine seems to continue to export its cereal production, according to the latest statements by its president. Moscow had threatened kyiv on Tuesday in the event of prosecution of these exports, despite the expiration of the agreement. Follow our live.

Global concern after the end of the grain agreement. Moscow’s decision to leave the agreement on the export of Ukrainian cereals on Monday, July 17, a few hours from its expiry, created an outcry on the international scene. “I urge stakeholders to resolve the issues to allow the resumption of the continued and safe passage of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to regions in need, including Africa”reacted Moussa Faki, the president of the African Union Commission.

The United States will provide new agricultural aid to Ukraine. Washington announced Tuesday, through the voice of the head of Usaid, the granting of 250 million additional dollars to support the Ukrainian agricultural sector, and to help the country to “feed the world”. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “have caused more than $6.6 billion in direct damage to the agricultural sector”, estimates the agency Usaid on its site. In total, the United States has released 350 million dollars to help with the production, storage and export of Ukrainian agricultural products.

Drones targeted kyiv. Odessa was not the only region targeted by strikes overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Ukrainian air defense claims to have neutralized all the devices, having carried out attacks on the capital. According to a first assessment, no casualties or damage are deplored on the Ukrainian side.

Attack on military ground in Crimea. A fire broke out Wednesday morning on a military field in the east of the annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, said on Telegram Sergei Aksionov, the Russian local governor. 2,000 people had to be evacuated in the area. The Ukrainian intelligence services claimed a “successful operation” which targeted an ammunition depot.