Russia launched two missile strikes and damaged a strategic bridge in Ukraine’s Odesa region, local officials said on Wednesday, an event that could affect Ukrainian plans to expand exports through Danube ports.
The bridge links mainland Ukraine with part of the Odesa region near the mouth of Danube.
The bridge across the Dniester Estuary is a part of the only fully Ukrainian-controlled railway route to Ukraine’s ports on Danube, which Kyiv regarded as a promising route for exports in a situation where Black Sea ports are blocked.
Ukraine, a major agricultural producer, used to export most of its goods through seaports but since Russia’s invasion in February has been forced to export by train via its western border or via its small Danube river ports.
The first attack was on Tuesday evening, and as a result of a rocket hit, the bridge over the estuary was damaged, however, according to local officials, it could be quickly restored.
The second blow was on Wednesday morning and the condition of the bridge has not yet been reported.
