Russian Drones Destroy Ukrainian Grain near Romania's Border

Russian drones struck the Ukrainian port city of Izmail, near the NATO member country Romania, causing significant damage to a grain storage facility and loading elevator, reports BBC.

This attack marks a new tactic by Russia in its efforts to destroy Ukrainian grain, following the Kremlin's refusal to extend a grain deal that allowed ships to transport Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russia has begun targeting key alternative export routes for Ukraine along the Danube River.

According to Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, approximately 40,000 tons of grain, intended for countries in Africa, China, and Israel, were damaged in the attack.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemned Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure "near Romania" as unacceptable.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Unfortunately, there are damages." The regional leader shared images on social media showing the extent of the fire and damage to the facilities.

Oleg Kiper, the head of the Odesa region, reported that emergency services are working at the site of the recent attack, but there have been no reports of casualties.

These missile attacks occurred after Russia unilaterally withdrew from the grain agreement, which allowed Ukrainian shipments to reach global markets through the Black Sea port of Odesa. After cancelling the deal, Russia targeted Ukrainian ports with missile strikes, causing significant blows to the key industry. In the last two weeks, dozens of drones and missiles have struck the Odesa port and river ports in the region, which were being used as alternative routes.

Since the inception of the grain deal in August 2022, nearly 33 million tons of Ukrainian grain and other food products were exported through the Black Sea.

However, with Ukrainian Black Sea ports currently effectively blockaded by Russia, experts say Russia will heavily rely on its Danube River ports for grain exports to neighbouring Romania, from where it can be transported further as Romanian ports remain open.

After repeated attacks on export centres in the Black Sea, Russia has now turned its missiles and drones towards Danube River ports.

Worldwide, wheat prices have sharply risen following Russia's refusal to extend the grain deal with Ukraine and its subsequent attacks.