Russia Targets Ukraine's Grain Port Amid Ongoing Conflict
Russia struck Ukraine's largest grain export port on the Danube, causing damage and starting a fire. The Izmail port handles exports of grain and other commodities, and its destruction could complicate Ukraine's plans to use the river to ship grain to Europe.
The attack comes as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that his country needs more US air defence missiles to get through winter. He specifically asked for 5% of the current US stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles, which would be enough to ward off surging Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Russia has been waging a full-scale war on Ukraine since February 2022, and its naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports has sent grain exports tumbling 76% year-on-year so far in August. Ukraine is among the world's largest producers of wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds, with around 90% of its exports going through the Black Sea.
Zelensky said a 10% share of the current US stockpile of Patriots would be enough to stop all Russian ballistic missile attacks. He also noted that Ukraine has been seeking more PAC-3s, the newest type of Patriot missile capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles.