Former U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg visited Odesa on August 21 as part of a working group to assess damage from ongoing Russian attacks on port infrastructure. The visit aimed to show American partners the conditions Ukrainian ports face and discuss strengthening protection and ensuring logistics resilience.
The visit underscores continued international support for Ukraine's critical export infrastructure amidst escalating Russian attacks, highlighting efforts to mitigate the impact on global food security and ensure the resilience of Ukrainian logistics.
Keith Kellogg, a former U.S. envoy on Ukraine, visited the port city of Odesa on August 21 as part of a working group. The visit occurred amidst ongoing Russian attacks targeting Ukraine's port infrastructure. The Infrastructure Ministry reported that the U.S. delegation, led by Kellogg, was shown the damage inflicted by these strikes and received briefings on measures being implemented to maintain port operations.
Deputy Restoration Minister Serhii Derkach stated the importance of American partners witnessing firsthand the conditions under which Ukrainian ports are currently operating. He highlighted Russia's systematic attacks on civilian port infrastructure and vessels, aimed at restricting Ukrainian exports and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Derkach emphasized the goal of collaborating with partners to enhance port protection, support safe navigation, and ensure the resilience of Ukrainian logistics.
Discussions between the two delegations also encompassed exploring avenues for international partners and private investment in infrastructure projects, potentially within the framework of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on port facilities and civilian ships in the Black Sea. Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky noted that Ukraine's exports had fallen to just 30% of its target in the first two weeks of August. Turkey has been attempting to broker a new ceasefire, but these efforts have not yet yielded results.