Russian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Port on Danube Next to Romania

July 25, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—Moscow has sent a clear message that Russia won’t tolerate any exportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea except under conditions that it dictates. The message was sent to the Ukrainian port of Reni via Geran kamikaze drones overnight July 23-24, which reportedly caused extensive damage to grain silos and other port facilities. The Reni port is on the Danube, literally across the river from NATO member Romania. The city of Reni also lies close to the border of Moldova. As a result of the strike, ships heading towards Reni have now backed up on the ship channel and out into the Black Sea. Another effect of the Russian strike is the sudden drop in availability of insurance for ships going to the Black Sea. Insurance sources told Reuters there were few requests to cover new charters for vessels looking to pick up cargoes from Ukraine’s Danube ports.

NATO’s criticism of the Reni strike, however, seems to be limited. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the attack with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu. “We will defend every inch of NATO territory,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters after the call, yesterday. “The secretary made that clear in his call with the Romanian Foreign Minister today.”

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis warned that security in the Black Sea was at risk. “I strongly condemn the recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure on Danube, very close to Romania,” he tweeted. “This recent escalation poses serious risks to the security in the Black Sea. It also affects further Ukrainian grain transit, thus global food security.”

Russia has so far not commented on the strike.