Russia Launches Full-Scale Offensive Against Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February of last year. The conflict has primarily taken place in the eastern part of Ukraine, specifically in the pro-Russian separatist regions of Donetsk and Donbas, as well as the southern region near Crimea.

However, Russia has not yet achieved its objective and is becoming desperate. They recently launched a massive drone strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.

A Swarm of Drones Strikes Odessa

The recent attack targeted one of Ukraine’s largest ports and will significantly impact the country’s economy. This attack represents the most devastating blow to Ukraine’s infrastructure since the start of the war.

A large number of drones and missiles were deployed, including 16 caliber missiles, six Onyx hypersonic missiles, eight X-22s, one X-59, and approximately 32 Iranian ‘Geranium’ UAVs.

In addition to targeting the Odessa port, the attack also struck industrial zones nearby, such as the oil depot at the railway station and a nearby military airfield. Gennady Trukhanov, the mayor of Odessa, described it as the worst attack on the city since the war began.

A heavy Russian attack of missiles and drones on Odessa and Nikolaev. The Russians are destroying the seaports due to the end of the grain deal.

— Twisted Eagle (@twisted_eagle) July 20, 2023

Why Did Russia Hit Odessa?

In an official statement, Russia’s Ministry of Defense praised the operation and claimed that their forces were successful in the raid.

The reason behind Russia’s attack on Odessa is their recent decision to pull out of a grain deal. Under this deal, Ukrainian wheat and grains were allowed to be shipped across the Black Sea for international markets, while Russia maintained some grain exports.

However, Russia withdrew from the deal a few days ago and is now seeking to reestablish a blockade on Ukrainian grains, aiming to restrict Ukraine’s access to global markets and undermine its economy.

The destruction of Ukraine’s ports is part of Russia’s strategy to make it impossible for Ukraine to carry out commercial maritime operations and exert pressure on the country.

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 – #Ukrainian sources report that four Tu-22M3 strategic bombers are flying over the #SeaofAzov in the direction of launch areas over the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, several Shahed-131/136 drone and missile strikes took place in #Odessa and other places.

Odessa 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/HYT3kWbQUX

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) July 19, 2023