Russia Attacks Key Ukrainian Port as Zelenskiy Seeks More Air Defenses

Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's largest grain export port, Izmail, located near the Romanian border in the southern region of Odesa. The overnight strikes damaged port infrastructure and caused a power outage in the southeast of the city.

The attack has raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to ship grain to Europe, as the Danube water levels are already at record lows. This could further complicate Ukraine's plans to use the river for transportation.

Ukraine is one of the world's largest producers of wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds, with around 90% of its exports going through the Black Sea. The blockade has sent grain exports tumbling by 76% year-on-year so far in August.

Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine needs more US air defense missiles to get through winter, saying 'Sell us 5%, we will go through the winter and save people's lives.' He also stated that a 10% share of the current US stockpile of Patriots would be enough to stop all Russian ballistic missile attacks.

The attack on Izmail is part of a months-long campaign by Ukraine against Russia's energy infrastructure, with the latest strike hitting an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan.