It is noted that Russia in December intensified strikes on Odessa, a key Black Sea port and the main hub of Ukraine’s grain exports, which provides about 90 percent of the country’s agricultural supplies. According to the WSJ, the strikes damaged the port infrastructure, storage facilities and power grids and led to temporary blackouts of light, heating and water.
“Analysts believe that Moscow is increasingly betting on economic pressure in an attempt to undermine Ukraine’s exports and financial stability,” the publication said.
Russia is stepping up air attacks from Crimea, from where drones and missiles are harder to intercept. About 52,000 drone launches were recorded in 2025 – almost four times more than in 2022-2024, the publication calculated.
“Odessa becomes one of the main targets. Experts warn: disruptions in grain exports could lead to a loss of markets, falling domestic prices and reduced agricultural production,” The Wall Street Journal summarized.
