Traffic to the border with Moldova is hampered in Odesa region after Russian attack
Serious complications in the transport and energy infrastructure have been recorded in Odesa region after Russian strikes. Road traffic in the south of the region, the ports of Greater Odesa, the railway and residential areas of the regional centre have been most affected.
The Odesa Reni Bridge and Highway
The traffic on the Odesa Reni highway is hampered due to the damage to the bridge near the village of Mayaki. After the destruction of the bridge across Zatoka, this road remained the key route connecting Odesa with the south of the region and the checkpoints to Moldova. The Palanka, Starokozache, Reni and Orlivka checkpoints are open, but travel into Ukraine and towards the border is restricted. According to the State Border Guard Service, drivers are advised to choose alternative routes. A woman was killed and three other children were injured in the area. Russia has attacked the bridge at least three times.
Ports of Greater Odesa
The port of Odesa has been operating without centralised power supply for five days after a massive attack on 13 December. All stevedoring companies are forced to use generators. This has affected export logistics. The share of grain shipments towards the western borders has risen from the traditional 8 per cent to 12 per cent, while the port direction has dropped to 88 per cent. For almost a week, no cargo was actually exported in ports.
Railways
During a night attack on 19 December, Russia struck at the railway infrastructure of Odesa region. A post at one of the stations was destroyed and a signalman was injured. She was hospitalised and is in stable condition. Despite the damage, traffic at the Odesa railway junction is uninterrupted.
Residential buildings and energy
As a result of the strikes, the energy infrastructure facility was damaged. One of Odesa's largest residential areas in Peresypskyi district was left without electricity, water and heat. The shock wave damaged a five-storey building and injured a woman who was hospitalised in moderate condition. Emergency repair works are ongoing.
Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, local Telegram.
