US delegation visits Odesa port to assess war damage

A US delegation led by former US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg visited Odesa Sea Port with Ukrainian officials to assess damage caused by Russian attacks and discuss the future of the country’s port infrastructure.

The delegation included Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport Serhii Derkach, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi, Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority head Mykola Kravchuk, Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleg Kiper and Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa, Caliber.Az reports via the Ukrainian Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry. 

During the visit, Ukrainian officials briefed the US side on the operation of the country’s seaports during the full-scale war, the damage caused by Russian attacks and measures being taken to keep critical port infrastructure operational.

The discussions focused particularly on navigation safety and the operation of the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor. Despite continued Russian attacks, Ukrainian ports remain a key part of the country’s export logistics and provide access to global markets for Ukrainian goods.

The sides also discussed the reconstruction and further development of port infrastructure, strengthening export routes and attracting international partners and private investment.

Ukraine also highlighted opportunities for greater economic and investment cooperation with the United States, including the involvement of American companies in public-private partnership projects in transport and municipal infrastructure.

Priority projects include concessions at the Port of Chornomorsk, road and railway infrastructure, and water supply projects. Ukraine said it is seeking US companies not only as investors but also as technology and operational partners.

The meeting also covered potential cooperation through the American-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund, established under an economic agreement between the two countries. Ukraine sees the fund as a potential mechanism for attracting investment into transport and logistics and developing infrastructure projects involving US companies, financial institutions and technology providers.

By Sabina Mammadli