Russian attacks on port infrastructure have not affected the operation of the "Ukrainian maritime corridor" – the Black Sea ports are functioning normally, with 85 vessels approaching them, stated Timur Tkachenko, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development, to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
"The enemy's aggression and shelling have not impacted the operation of the 'maritime corridor' itself. Currently, the ports continue to operate normally; however, we cannot be certain about future attacks and their consequences. We are also observing an increase in performance indicators compared to last year," he noted in his response to the agency's inquiry.
In just the first 10 days of October, the export volume through the "maritime corridor" reached 2.1 million tons, of which 1.5 million tons were grain.
For comparison: throughout October 2023, 1.9 million tons were exported through the Black Sea ports, including 1.4 million tons of grain.
According to the latest data, 85 vessels are heading to Ukrainian ports.
"The Russians are still hoping to disrupt the operation of the 'maritime corridor.' We all understand that their primary goal is to completely deprive us of the ability to export, thereby impacting Ukraine's economy. We must realize that these attacks are felt in different parts of the world where our grain is supplied. Although the situation with attacks on civilian vessels remains tense," Tkachenko said.
According to the deputy minister, critical infrastructure facilities are protected by engineering structures. This includes approach channels, berths, transformer substations, buildings, and diesel generator installations. Following the recommendations of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the maritime port facilities in the Black Sea are secured with boom barriers.
Additionally, gabions and concrete blocks are used to protect the energy infrastructure of the ports, preventing enemy air and sea drones from reaching their targets.
"However, even with these measures, the enemy can deploy various types of missiles, which is why we need a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of people and infrastructure. Protection must be enhanced with air defense systems supported by our partners," Tkachenko pointed out.
In Ukraine, a guarantee mechanism has been introduced and continues to operate, providing guarantees for compensation for damage caused as a result of armed aggression by the Russian Federation, including to operators and/or owners of vessels and inland waterway vessels while in the territorial sea of the country. At the same time, as of today, no payments have been made under this mechanism, he clarified.
As reported, as a result of another attack by the Russian Federation on port infrastructure on October 14, one person died, and two civilian vessels were damaged. Damages included a grain storage facility, cargo cranes, warehouses, equipment, buildings of the Sea Ports Administration branch, and vehicles.
Earlier, the Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Oleksiy Kubela stated that the Russian Federation is trying to destroy Ukraine's export potential through constant attacks on maritime infrastructure.
According to him, over the past three months, the enemy has carried out nearly 60 such attacks. The consequences of these attacks have resulted in damage and destruction of almost 300 port infrastructure facilities, 177 vehicles, and 22 civilian vessels. A total of 79 civilians were affected, including port workers, logistics company employees, and vessel crews.
As reported, on the night of October 10, Russia struck the ports of Odesa with ballistic missiles. Eight people were killed, and 11 were injured. Additionally, a container ship was damaged, which was carrying 45 containers of packaged sunflower oil designated as humanitarian aid ordered by the UN for supply to Palestine.
According to the latest data, the export volume through the Ukrainian maritime corridor has already reached 75 million tons of cargo since its inception, of which 50.1 million tons are products of Ukrainian farmers.