The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that Russia is attempting to block Ukraine’s maritime logistics through attacks on the Odesa region, but all necessary forces are engaged for its protection.
During an evening address, Zelenskyy talked about Russia’s attempts to block Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea by attacking the Odesa region. He emphasized that services and military forces are involved in addressing this situation to ensure reliable logistics to the south of the region. Last week, the region’s situation was addressed by Vice Prime Minister for Community Development Oleksiy Kuleba and Deputy Head of the President’s Office Viktor Mykyta.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of international pressure on Russia, noting that “without pressure on Russia, it will not cease its aggression.”
Recent days’ events have intensified the situation in the region. On December 18, Russian attacks resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to children in a car on a bridge in the Odesa region. The route near the Dniester estuary was closed, complicating the exit to Moldova. Only on December 21 was the movement across the bridge restored. The next day, seven people were killed in strikes on port infrastructure.
The situation in the Odesa region requires close attention due to the risks of blocking important transport routes, which can have a serious impact on Ukraine’s economic stability and grain exports.
| Date | Event | Consequences |
| December 18 | Attack on the bridge | Death of a woman, injury to children, blocked routes |
| December 19 | Attack on port infrastructure | Seven dead |
| December 21 | Restoration of traffic through the bridge | Traffic normalized |
