Ukrainian Black Sea ports continue to operate despite ongoing Russian air attacks, DPA and Reuters reported, citing Ukrainian government data, BTA reported.
„Today there is no complete blockade, but there is an attempt at one. "Every day, three to four ships enter and leave the Odessa region," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference in Kiev on Ukraine's Independence Day.
Before the latest wave of Russian drone and missile attacks, however, three to four times as many ships were passing through Ukrainian ports.
Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky has repeatedly described the situation in the Black Sea ports in the Odessa region as a complete blockade.
Moscow intensified its attacks on the region in July after Ukraine began attacking ships carrying Russian oil and grain.
Zelensky added that a "diplomatic dialogue" would be held with Russia about Moscow's increased attacks in the Black Sea, which are limiting Ukraine's export opportunities.
Ukraine will also strengthen its air defenses in the region, the Ukrainian president said. Zelensky urged Ukraine's allies to provide a package of air defense assets before winter, as Russia is expected to resume its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Reuters reported.
During a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Kiev, Zelensky also asked Ukraine's partners to help cover a 27 billion euro shortfall needed for defense needs in 2026.
In this context, the president reminded his allies of frozen Russian assets in European jurisdictions.