British intelligence explains why Russia is attacking Odesa

Since July 18, Russia has increased the number of attacks with missiles and drones on Odesa and port infrastructure in southern Ukraine, as Russia is no longer bound by the grain deal.

This is stated in the July 25 intelligence review of the UK Ministry of Defense published on Twitter.

As noted in the intelligence, during these attacks, Russia used a large number of heavy X-22 missiles, which are designed primarily to destroy aircraft carriers.

The agency recalled that several grain storage facilities in the port of Chornomorsk and the historic center of Odesa were damaged as a result of Russian attacks. On July 24, Russia attacked docks on the Danube River about 200 meters from the Romanian border with drones.

In the period from August 2022 to June 2023, when the Black Sea Grain Initiative was still in effect, Russia generally refrained from striking civilian infrastructure in southern ports, the review says.

"Since Russia has been unable to renew the agreement, the Kremlin is likely feeling less politically constrained and is seeking to strike targets in Odesa because it believes Ukraine is maintaining military assets in these areas," the review says.

According to the intelligence report, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian missile strikes have been characterized by poor intelligence and inefficient targeting.

Author - Olena Madiak, 25/07/2023