Zelenskyy arrives in Odesa region to discuss grain corridor and air defense

"Today we are working in Odesa region. We started with reports from the military and a meeting on the protection of the region. There are many important issues on the agenda," the president said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that during the meetings in the Odesa region, discussions will cover the conduct of operational situation and combat operations within the area of responsibility of the Odesa operational strategic grouping of troops, the situation in the Black Sea, the security of the grain corridor, and air defense. This includes covering Odesa from the air, protecting the infrastructure of the grain corridor, and military brigades.

In addition, the head of state met with Ukrainian defenders who are on the defense of the southern part of the country.

"Today I spoke to the warriors defending the south of Ukraine and presented them with state awards. I thank them for their service, for downing enemy targets, for their courage and dedication in protecting our country and people," added Zelenskyy.

Situation in the Odesa region

The Odesa region has become one of the main targets of the enemy after Russia withdrew from the grain deal. Occupiers have been shelling port infrastructure, and with the onset of cold weather, they began targetting the energy system.

This night was no exception. On the night of November 29, occupiers launched 21 strike drones and 3 guided aviation missiles Kh-59 on Ukraine. Almost all enemy targets were destroyed. Air defense systems were operating within the Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Khmelnytskyi regions.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the air defense of Odesa would be strengthened. This has already been agreed upon with partners.