Russian attack on Odesa region: Humeniuk explained the aggressor’s goal
Russian troops are attacking Ukrainian ports to demonstrate their alleged monopoly in the Black Sea.
This was reported at a briefing by Natalia Humeniuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Centre of the Southern Ukrainian Defence Forces.
According to her, Russia is constantly looking for new tactics and selecting new weapons. The aggressor expects new decisions at the level of diplomacy, but, realising that it is not being met, resorts to fire attacks.
Thus, the enemy has intensified fire along the front line, particularly in Kherson region, and has “settled” in deep defence on the Zaporizhzhia and Eastern directions. The occupiers are also looking for ways to divert attention to other regions.
– For example, last night, a powerful attack was carried out with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles against the port infrastructure on the Danube direction, which many experts have proclaimed as one of the alternatives to the “grain issue”. That is why the enemy has focused its attention on it,” said Humeniuk.
The representative of the Defence Forces press centre noted that the enemy has large capacities, while Ukraine lacks air defence capabilities. Strengthening defences is currently being discussed at all levels.
– Last night, the attack was carried out simultaneously – on the strategic direction of the port infrastructure and the capital. Dispersal of air defence efforts is one of the objectives of the air attack. Such attacks will be repeated. Analysing the enemy’s tactics, we understand that this is a system,” she added.
Gumenyuk stressed that Russia wants to convince the international community, in particular large shipowners, that Ukrainian ports are unreliable and navigation towards Ukrainian-controlled ports is dangerous.
In addition, it is likely that the strikes on the Danube direction are intended to provoke a reaction from the Defence Forces. In particular, in terms of redirecting certain air defence systems to the south of Odesa region.
On the night of 2 August, Russian troops sent drones to the south of Odesa region. As a result of the attack, fires broke out at the Danube port and industrial infrastructure.
Source: Ukraine Media Center
Photo: Ukraine Media Center
