Russia attempts to isolate Ukraine’s access to Black Sea with missile attack on Odesa – Ukraine’s top defense official

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, commented on the nighttime Russian missile attack on Odesa and stated that Russia is thus trying to isolate Ukraine's access to the Black Sea completely.

He wrote about it on Facebook.

"The main goal of the Russian missile attacks on Odesa and the region is an attempt to isolate Ukraine's access to the Black Sea completely, and through intimidation to prejudice and neutralize international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor", Danilov noted.

In his opinion, the Kremlin's plan should create artificial conditions for threats of famine, primarily for African countries, and an increase in the level of migration dangers for Europe.

"The Russians expect that, through blackmail, they will force the West to negotiate and accept Putin's "grain ultimatum" – the resumption of Russian ammonia exports, the lifting of some sanctions and other restrictions," wrote the NSDC secretary.

He also added that the destruction of the Ukrainian infrastructure, which ensures the functioning of the "grain corridor," should make the world dependent on Russian grain, its logistics, and its capabilities.

"The plan is to bring the world to its knees and make Russia a unique grain supplier. After the failure of the idea of an "energy superpower," Putin wants to become a "grain super empire," Danilov noted.

According to him, Ukraine is aware of these intentions, will react appropriately, and will fully respond to the killings and destruction. The Secretary of the National Security Council called on the world and the West to show firmness and inviolability and give "a worthy answer to the Kremlin rat." According to Danilov, such an answer should consist of the complete restoration of the functioning of the Ukrainian "grain corridor" under international security guarantees.

For reference:

On the night of July 23, the Russian occupiers attacked Odesa. It caused the death of one person and injured a number, while civilian infrastructure, homes, and a religious building were all damaged.

Russia launched a rocket attack, destroying the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa – the largest Orthodox church in the area, established in 1794 and blessed in 1808. This action by Russia goes against their argument of protecting Orthodoxy, seeing as the cathedral is a part of the Moscow Patriarchate.