Odesa Under Siege: The Impact of Russian Attacks on Ukraine's Maritime Infrastructure

Odesa, Ukraine's vital southern port city, has faced intensified Russian bombardments, significantly impacting its maritime infrastructure. Over the past year, missile and drone strikes have tripled, with officials asserting that these attacks aim to sever Ukraine's access to the Black Sea. Viktor Berestenko, head of Inter Trans logistics, emphasized the critical nature of Odesa's ports, stating, “Without ports, Ukraine will be destroyed.” The city, home to approximately one million residents, has become accustomed to the nightly sounds of war, with air raid alerts becoming a regular occurrence.

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The situation worsened after Russia withdrew from a UN-brokered deal that allowed safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports. In response, Ukraine established an alternative shipping route along the western coastline, successfully transporting over 170 million tonnes of cargo, primarily grain, to around 55 countries, mostly in Africa. However, the ongoing strikes have severely affected operational capacity, with a reported 15% drop in cargo volumes and significant damage to port infrastructure.

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The relentless attacks have resulted in casualties among port workers and crew members, with a December missile strike claiming eight lives. The environmental consequences are also alarming; a 2025 attack on a sunflower oil storage facility led to pollution along the Black Sea coast, killing thousands of marine animals. Mykola Kravchuk, head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, noted that the port industry prioritizes the safety of its employees while striving to keep operations running despite the threats.

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The conflict has not only devastated Odesa but has also had far-reaching effects on Ukraine's economy and infrastructure. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, over 4,456 educational institutions and 2,562 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed. The war has also targeted cultural heritage sites, with 1,640 sites reported damaged. The ongoing assaults on energy infrastructure have further strained the country's resources, with 217 attacks recorded in early 2026 alone.

Four Years of Russia’s Full-Scale War against Ukraine: Destruction, Loss and War Crimes — Accountability Must Follow

Critics of Russia's military strategy argue that the attacks on Odesa and other Ukrainian ports are part of a broader campaign to destabilize Ukraine's economy and undermine its agricultural exports. Ukrainian officials have condemned these actions as war crimes, highlighting the need for international accountability. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has been actively dismantling networks of spies aiding Russian operations, reflecting the internal challenges Ukraine faces amid the conflict.

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• “It’s war, every night,” — Viktor Berestenko, Head of Inter Trans Logistics

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• “To occupy Odesa? To cut Ukraine from the sea?” — Viktor Berestenko, Head of Inter Trans Logistics

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• “Passing information to Russian intelligence is the most common treason during wartime.” — Ivan Kisilevych, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office

Euromaiden Press

As the war continues, the fate of Odesa and its strategic ports remains uncertain. The ongoing attacks pose a significant threat to Ukraine's economic stability and food security, while the humanitarian impact on the local population is profound. The international community's response to these developments will be crucial in shaping the future of Ukraine's maritime capabilities and overall resilience in the face of aggression.

The Straits Times