Following Russia’s consecutive nights of attacks on Odesa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has highlighted that these acts demonstrate Moscow’s pursuit of “hunger and problems in the countries of the Global South.” Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that Russia targeted Odesa with a barrage of cruise missiles and Shahed attack drones for the second night in a row.
These attacks on the Black Sea port city occurred shortly after Russia withdrew from a crucial UN-brokered grain deal, drawing condemnation from Ukraine, the United States, and their allies.
Andriy Yermak, communicating via Telegram, emphasized that the Russian terror inflicted upon Odesa reaffirms Russia’s intent to create hunger and turmoil in the Global South. He further stated that Russia aims to provoke a refugee crisis for Western nations while simultaneously weakening allies and interfering in the internal affairs of targeted countries.
Yermak urged Ukraine’s allies to limit Russia’s access to components necessary for weapon manufacturing and called for the provision of more long-range weapons to support Ukraine’s defense. Additionally, he appealed to countries in the Global South to support Ukraine’s proposals for expelling Russia from Ukraine and achieving a lasting peace.
The Odesa attacks and Yermak’s statements shed light on the broader geopolitical motivations and strategies pursued by Russia, as well as the importance of international cooperation in countering such actions and supporting Ukraine’s efforts for peace and stability.
