Bullish Maze

Russian Missile Strikes Odesa During Greek PM’s Visit to Port City with Zelenskyy

In a chilling turn of events, a Russian missile struck the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were visiting. The incident occurred during their tour of the war-ravaged city, leaving both leaders shaken but thankfully unharmed.

The Near Miss:

The sound of a large explosion reverberated around Odesa as Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis concluded their visit. The missile missed them by mere hundreds of meters, hitting port infrastructure in the Black Sea city. The close call underscored the gravity of the ongoing conflict and the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.

Greek Support for Ukraine:

Prime Minister Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine during this critical time. He stated, “My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side.” This visit marked Mitsotakis’s first to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

War’s Impact on Civilians:

As sirens blared during their tour, Mitsotakis emphasized the urgent need for European leaders to witness firsthand the war’s impact on civilians. He urged them to visit Ukraine and experience the reality faced by ordinary people caught in the crossfire. The attack near Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis served as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict’s devastating consequences.

International Condemnation:

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen swiftly condemned the “vile attack on Odesa” during the leaders’ visit. The strike highlighted the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Targeting Port Infrastructure:

Odesa’s Black Sea port infrastructure has been a repeated target for Russian attacks. Since mid-July, Moscow has escalated its assault, particularly after withdrawing from a UN-brokered deal that allowed safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments. In response, Ukraine established its own “humanitarian corridor” for ships, attempting to bypass the de facto Russian blockade of Kyiv’s seaborne exports via the Black Sea. Greece, a NATO member and staunch ally of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the military alliance and the European Union, has offered military assistance to the country³.

As the world watches, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious. The missile strike in Odesa serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for international solidarity in seeking a peaceful resolution.