Russian missiles hit Odessa port, putting landmark grain deal at risk

• Russian missiles hit Ukraine’s port of Odesa after a deal between warring sides to resume cereal exports blocked by the conflict.

The agreement

• Odesa is one of three export hubs designated in the agreement.
• Grain was being stored in the port at the time of the strike although the food stocks did not appear to have been hit.
• Deal includes points on running Ukrainian grain ships along safe corridors that avoid known mines in the Black Sea.

UN, EU slam attack

• UN condemned the attack and urged all sides to stick to the deal.
• These products are needed to address the global food crisis.
• EU’s foreign policy chief directly blamed Russia for the strikes.
• No official comment from Moscow but Turkish Defence Minister said Russia had denied carrying out the attack.
• Huge quantities of wheat and other grain have been blocked in Ukrainian ports by Russian warships and mines Kyiv laid to avert a feared amphibious assault.

Prelims take away

• Port of Odesa