Russia targets Ukrainian Danube ports, causing casualties and damage
Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian ports along the Danube River in a series of devastating attacks, resulting in casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
The attacks, which were heard on the Romanian side of the Danube, struck the Ukrainian ports of Reni, Ismail, and Orlovka. Over 30 trucks were damaged during the two-hour assault, according to the governor of Odessa region. However, Ukrainian military forces managed to down 26 out of the 38 drones launched by the enemy.
Russia has once again unleashed kamikaze drones in the Odessa region, causing damage to buildings and dozens of vehicles. The explosions were visible and audible from the Romanian side of the Danube. The targeted ports included Ismail, Reni, and Orlovka, leading to the closure of the Romanian customs and the redirection of road traffic to Galați Rutier. Moscow escalated its aerial attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports, including Ismail and Reni, after abandoning the July agreement that ensured the safe export of Ukrainian grains.
In Herson, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Russian bombardments have inflicted damage on the city's infrastructure. In recent days, two people have lost their lives, and two others have been injured, according to Volodimir Litvinov, the head of the regional military administration. Residential areas were the primary targets, with entire houses suffering extensive damage.
Civilians recount their harrowing experiences of the enemy's attacks.
"We suspect that whatever flew over damaged the roof, the ceiling, and fell into the house. If it explodes there, it will be a catastrophe."
"Everything is damaged. The entire house is destroyed. Everything needs to be replaced. There's a lot of work ahead."
"I managed to hide behind the door immediately after I heard the second explosion. I have to react to everything. The roof, doors, and windows were blown away. It was a powerful blast."
"There was a loud boom. I was so scared that I didn't initially hear the explosion. It was horrifying. I just managed to hide under the table. I thought I would be safe that way. After that, immediately, I heard the sound of shattering glass. I couldn't see anything. When I heard noises, I ran to the basement. I went down the steps, and the cat and dog followed me."
"The enemy continues to bomb the Berislav district. Occupiers dropped four bombs. Residential buildings are destroyed. People were inside. There was a couple in one of the houses. They died. Others are injured. They've been hospitalized. Doctors are fighting for their lives," said Volodimir Litvinov, the head of the Berislav military administration.
Russian occupiers have subjected Ukrainians to such brutal torture that some have died, according to findings from a UN-mandated investigative body's recent inquiry into the territories from which Russians withdrew.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military is bolstering its forces as American-made Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine, announced Kiev's leader, Volodimir Zelenski.
"Today, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov presented an important report: the first American-made Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine. We are preparing them to strengthen our actions against the occupiers. It will be a significant reinforcement. We are also working to obtain all other necessary weaponry capabilities. This includes F16s - we are training pilots and building infrastructure. It also includes long-range weapons - we are doing everything possible to enable Ukraine to do more to liberate its territory. The same goes for air defense. To cover our entire country, we need more systems than we currently have," President Volodimir Zelenski stated.
Furthermore, Italy reiterated its full support on Monday for the UN Commission tasked with investigating all alleged human rights violations, breaches of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
