Ukraine strengthens port defenses as Russia steps up attacks
Photo: Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russia has stepped up missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian ports in an effort to disrupt logistics and exports. Despite the escalation, Ukraine has kept its ports operating and is strengthening protection for people and infrastructure, reports Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
"Russia is effectively striking Ukrainian ports with missiles and drones on an almost daily basis, seeking to destroy logistics, disrupt exports, and undermine global food security," Kuleba said.
According to him, 90 combined strikes have been recorded in 2025 alone, twice as many as during the same period last year.
The situation remains most difficult in the south. In Odesa region, nearly 800 air raid alerts have been issued since the start of the year, with a combined duration of more than 30 days.
Despite constant attacks, port logistics continue to operate and maritime export routes remain stable. This is ensured by hundreds of port workers and employees in related sectors, who report for duty every day under the threat of strikes.
"Despite this, hundreds of port workers, energy sector employees, and specialists ensure the operation of logistics infrastructure and the stability of maritime export routes every day, continuously handling cargo," the deputy prime minister said.
In response to the growing number of attacks, the state is expanding the network of shelters directly within port areas.
According to the Minister for Communities and Territories Development, more than 50 mobile shelters have already been installed at ports in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority and with support from partners. In addition, the number of permanent shelters now exceeds 30.
"This is one of the mandatory conditions of cooperation: every employee must have access to a safe and reliable shelter during an air raid alert," Kuleba said.
He added that systematic efforts to strengthen the protection of the ports themselves are continuing in parallel. According to the minister, this work is carried out daily together with the Defense Forces, other services, and international partners.
Photo: Ukraine strengthens port worker security amid Russian attacks
Photo: Ukraine strengthens port worker security amid Russian attacks
Photo: Ukraine strengthens port worker security amid Russian attacks
Photo: Ukraine strengthens port worker security amid Russian attacks
Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports
After Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine's port infrastructure became one of the key targets of regular missile and drone attacks.
The Kremlin is seeking to undermine maritime exports, which remain critically important for Ukraine's economy and global food markets.
On December 19, Russian forces carried out a large-scale ballistic missile strike on a port infrastructure facility in the Odesa region. As a result of the attack, trucks parked at a lot caught fire.
In addition, on December 22 in Odesa, a Russian drone damaged port-side infrastructure and a civilian vessel. Later that evening, the enemy attacked the city again with drones, causing further damage to port infrastructure and the same civilian ship.
