In a continuation of its aggressive campaign, Russia has launched renewed strikes on the Odesa region of Ukraine, specifically targeting sunflower oil storage facilities. This marked the second consecutive day of bombardments, as reported by Kyiv officials and a seed oil trader on Saturday.
Recent weeks have seen intensified assaults along Ukraine’s coastline, resulting in significant damage to critical infrastructure, including bridges and ports. The relentless attacks have also left thousands without electricity and heating during the frigid winter months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, stating that Russia is attempting to limit Ukraine’s maritime access and disrupt its coastal territories. In response, he has mandated the rapid implementation of temporary infrastructure solutions to ensure that essential resources remain available to the population.
The Russian government previously indicated its intent to escalate attacks on Ukrainian ports as a form of retaliation for Ukraine’s actions against its oil tankers, which are believed to be circumventing international sanctions. Among the recent strikes, the Allseeds Black Sea terminal—a major vegetable oil facility located in Pivdennyi port—suffered significant damage early Saturday. According to Cornelis Vrins, the director of trade for Allseeds, one employee lost their life, and two others sustained injuries in the attack. The assault resulted in the loss of “thousands of tonnes of sunflower oil,” marking the most significant damage inflicted on the company since the onset of the war, as stated by one of its co-founders.
Ukraine, renowned for its abundant agricultural production, has been recognized as the world’s leading producer of sunflower oil. Analysts fear that persistent attacks on export infrastructure could severely disrupt markets and adversely affect state revenues.
In a related development, Ukraine reported successfully targeting another Russian oil tanker involved in sanctions evasion. This strike took place in the neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea, marking Kyiv’s first engagement in that area in nearly four years of conflict. Prior to this, similar vessels were targeted in the Black Sea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously announced plans to intensify strikes on Ukrainian ports, warning that any continued assaults on Russian vessels could result in Ukraine’s complete isolation from maritime access.
These military actions come amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict, with officials from Ukraine, Russia, and European nations convening in Miami for US-mediated negotiations.
