Russia has intensified attacks on Odesa: why the port became the main target in December

Russia has intensified attacks on Odesa: why the port became the main target in December

According to Главком: Odesa has become a key target of Russian attacks in the war against Ukraine, especially in December 2025. During this period, Russia increased shelling of the city, striking transportation and port infrastructure. Odesa experienced one of the most intense waves of attacks during the full-scale war, resulting in significant consequences for the region.

Around 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports are transported by sea, making Odesa's port infrastructure critically important to the country's economy. Russian troops attacked the city with drones and missiles, focusing strikes on critical infrastructure facilities, including:

• transport hubs
• port facilities
• energy facilities

These actions indicate Russia's intentions to seriously undermine Ukraine's export potential.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Russian attacks aim to cut off Odesa and other cities from infrastructure.

Sergiy Vovk, an expert in agricultural business, emphasized that Russia is trying to destroy all key elements of export logistics chains. He also added that if grain exports are disrupted, buyers will seek other, more stable markets. These comments reflect the seriousness of the situation and the risks arising from the intensification of attacks on Odesa.

The intensification of attacks on Odesa indicates Russia's strategic goals in the context of the war, where control over ports is critical for ensuring Ukraine's economic stability. Given that Odesa is an important transport hub for agricultural exports, the destruction of port infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences not only for Ukraine but also for the global food market. This underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine amid escalating conflict and threats to global food security.