President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who is expected to be in Chisinau on Thursday to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, addressed compatriots from Odesa on Wednesday evening, informing them that he had made a working visit and talked about strengthening defense. of this key Black Sea port, which was the target of a major Russian attack this week, News.ro reports.

“In Odesa, we had a special and long meeting regarding the social security situation in the region. With the leadership of the region, the army and law enforcement officers. The region is a priority from all points of view. Odesa region is one of the pillars of the security of our entire south, and therefore the country,” Zelenskyy said.

“The Security Service of Ukraine achieved very important results in the Odesa region in the fight against Russian saboteurs,” noted Volodymyr Zelenskyi. “General Moskalov presented a report on the situation in the areas of responsibility of operational-strategic groups of troops in Odesa. We analyzed in detail how to strengthen the defense,” said the President of Ukraine in an address to his compatriots, which was broadcast on Wednesday evening.

The Odesa port was bombed on Monday by the Russians, who claim to have destroyed Ukraine’s last warship.

Zelenskyi said that he also had a conversation with the General Staff in Odesa, receiving reports from commanders and heads of special services, and emphasized that special attention is being paid to the corridor for transporting Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. He accused Moscow of failing to implement the Grain Transportation Initiative and continuing to block one of the three Ukrainian ports from which grain ships can depart.

“The world knows what a fundamental role our seaborne grain exports play for food security. And in general, security in the Black Sea, the effectiveness of international law regarding shipping is an important factor of security around the world. “All the maritime countries of the world now see what could threaten their ports and waters if Russia succeeds in blocking shipping in the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said.

The president claims that currently, of the three ports agreed within the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the Southern port is actually blocked. More than one and a half million tons of agricultural products have been accumulated in “Pivdenny” alone. AND

“The blockade of the port in Ukraine creates extremely serious risks for various states. In particular, for those countries with which Russia is also trying to speculate,” Zelensky said.

“And I thank everyone in the world who helps us increase the security space in the Black Sea, who pressures Russia to unblock food supplies,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he also had a thematic meeting in Odesa regarding the development of port infrastructure.

Odesa port is located only 200 kilometers from the Republic of Moldova, where dozens of leaders from all over Europe will gather on Thursday and where the president of Ukraine may also come.

He hinted at this possibility on Wednesday evening, saying that he was working to make “the second half of this week symbolic for the relations” of Ukraine with its partners.

“Our international experts are doing their best to end this week with news that Ukraine needs,” said Zelensky, whose possible trip to the European Political Community summit is being kept secret for security reasons.

At the end of his speech on Wednesday night, Zelensky thanked the US for a new $300 million aid package that Washington announced during the day.

“I would like to thank the United States of America, President Biden personally, both parties in Congress and every American – every person who values ​​freedom – for a new defense package for our soldiers: missiles for Patriot systems, missiles for Hymars, artillery. and other weapons we need. We need them right now!”, Zelenskyi said.

“Glory to all our soldiers who are currently fighting for Ukraine, who are at combat posts and are performing combat tasks. I thank everyone who works for our country! Thank you, Odesa, for this day!”, the Ukrainian president concluded his speech. (News.ro)