ISW explains why Russia strikes on Ukrainian grain corridor
Photo: aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa region (t.me/odeskaODA)
Russian strikes on civilian vessels and other infrastructure in the grain corridor almost certainly aim to undermine Western confidence in Ukraine's ability to protect this vital route, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
On October 14, according to estimates from ISW, Russian forces attacked civilian vessels docked in Ukrainian ports for the fourth time since October 5. This assault is part of an apparent Russian campaign targeting port areas to undermine the Ukrainian grain corridor, damaging international support for Ukraine, and pressuring Ukraine into premature negotiations, analysts from the ISW believe.
"ISW recently assessed that Russian strikes against civilian vessels and other grain corridor infrastructure are almost certainly intended to undermine Western confidence in Ukraine's ability to enforce and defend the corridor, influence ongoing Western discussions about long-term support for Ukraine, and impede Ukraine's ability to survive economically during the war," the report states.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports
On October 14, Russian forces again targeted port infrastructure in Odesa with ballistic missiles. One person died, and eight were injured. Additionally, a cargo ship flagged under Palau's flag, the "OPTIMA," sustained damage for the second time after being hit by a missile strike last week.
On October 11, Russian forces shelled the Odesa region with ballistic missiles, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring ten others.
On October 9, Russian forces attacked port infrastructure in the Odesa district, targeting a civilian container ship flagged under Panama. As a result, nine people died, and eight were injured.
