Russian attack on Ukrainian port turns street into sunflower oil river

A Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near Odesa, caused significant damage to a vegetable oil terminal, resulting in thousands of tons of sunflower oil spilling into surrounding areas.

According to reports, the port was targeted by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, with the strike hitting a terminal used for the storage and export of vegetable oil. Pivdennyi is one of three key ports through which Ukraine exports grain and other agricultural products, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bild.

A large flare erupted following the impact, with video footage capturing the moment of the strike. The explosion ruptured a storage tank, allowing vast quantities of sunflower oil to pour out and flood a nearby street.

Explosions were additionally reported within Odesa, and authorities have cautioned residents of Pivdennyi to remain alert to the potential for further attacks.

The latest strike on Pivdennyi targeted reservoirs, following a previous missile attack that resulted in eight deaths and at least 30 injuries. Russian forces also hit a bridge near Mayaky, crucial for connecting fragmented regions and for crossing into Moldova.

Ukrainian officials assert that Russia is trying to create internal instability by terrorizing civilians, and they are committed to responding effectively. Passengers have been redirected to alternative crossings, including water routes, as a response to the attacks. Last week, a significant Russian airstrike caused extensive damage and power outages in Odesa, affecting hundreds of thousands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to restrict Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, linking it to retaliatory actions against Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian tankers used to circumvent sanctions.

By Vafa Guliyeva