Ukraine war: Ukrainian grain facilities attacked, Russian naval drills in Baltic Sea, Black Sea deal

Russian drones yesterday targeted grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine close to the border of NATO member Romania, according to the Ukrainian military.

Iranian-made "Shahed" (Martyr) drones, launched from the Black Sea, hit the Odesa region at dawn, causing a huge fire at export facilities and damaging a grain elevator. A grain silo was also reportedly hit. 

The incident came as another major explosive drone attack targeted Kyiv overnight.

Russian forces have repeatedly battered Ukraine's Black Sea and river port infrastructure in recent weeks, especially the city of Odesa. Vital supplies of Ukrainian grain are exported from the area to the rest of the world.

These bombardments began in July after Moscow terminated a deal – brokered by the UN and Turkey – which allowed Ukraine to export 33 million tons of cereals despite the Russian invasion.

A blockade has now been reinstated and both sides have warned they will attack ships heading to enemy ports. 

River ports in the Odesa region bordering Romania have become the main alternative exit route for Ukrainian agricultural products since Russia torpedoed the deal.

But these sites have also become targets. In July, a river port in Reni was attacked by Russian drones, while one was hit on the Danube today. 

Russia has begun naval exercises involving around 50 ships and aircraft in the Baltic Sea, an expanse of water now bordered by NATO countries whom Moscow considers an existential threat.

"Ocean Shield 2023" will mobilise "more than 30 ships and combat vessels, 20 supply ships, 30 aircraft... and around 6,000 soldiers", said Russia's Ministry of Defence.

The objective is to "verify the ability of the military fleet to defend the national interests of Russia", it added in a press