Russia has turned Odesa into the main front of the economic war: what this means for Ukraine.

According to ТСН: Odesa has become a key arena of the economic war between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin is attempting to completely block Ukraine's maritime exports, which account for 90% of agricultural supplies. This is happening against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to US President. Russia has significantly increased the number of drone attacks on port infrastructure.

During the visit, Zelensky at Trump's residence called for increased support for Ukraine, while Russia launched a new series of attacks on the important Black Sea port of Odesa.

Odesa has remained one of the main targets of Russian strikes due to its strategic importance for the export of Ukrainian grain. As a result of the attacks, infrastructure facilities, warehouses, and energy systems have been damaged, and civilian casualties have been recorded.

Systematic weakening of Ukraine's economic potential

Experts note that Moscow is aiming for a serious weakening of Ukraine's economic capacity.

“They definitely want to cut off Odesa and other cities in terms of infrastructure. They are striking at both people and the economy, reducing our export opportunities through the maritime corridor,” Zelensky stated on Tuesday in response to journalists' questions on WhatsApp.

The President also reported that he discussed with Trump the provision of additional air defense means, although he did not clarify whether a decision had been made regarding their supply. Trump expressed readiness to help.

The economic significance of Odesa for Ukraine

Odesa remains one of the most important directions in the war. According to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, about 90% of agricultural products are exported by sea. Over 11 months of 2025, the ports of Odesa processed approximately 76 million tons of cargo. Ukraine partially protects its maritime logistics using drones.

Amid the diplomatic efforts from the Trump administration, Russia intensified aerial attacks on the southern regions of Ukraine. Many attacks are carried out from the occupied territory of Crimea, complicating the interception of drones and missiles.

According to analysts, Russia conducted about 52 thousand drone attacks in 2025, significantly exceeding the figures of previous years. Odesa is becoming an increasingly frequent target for attacks.

“The Black Sea, which feeds us and is an integral part of our economy, is also our weak point,” said Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenco.

Russia actively strikes at Ukraine's transportation and port infrastructure, targeting objects used “in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

Odesa under partial siege

With the onset of cold weather, Odesa temporarily found itself without electricity, heating, and water. The city relies on external electricity supplies, and Russia seeks to destroy key elements of export logistics chains.

“Russia is trying to destroy all key elements of export logistics chains. They strike at what is easiest for them to reach. And when it comes to export logistics, Odesa is the final gateway,” explained the director of the Center for Transportation Strategies of Ukraine, Serhiy Vovk.

Experts emphasize that the economic component is again becoming a priority in Russia's strategy — both in combat actions and in diplomatic negotiations.

In response to the attacks, Ukraine is conducting systematic strikes on oil refining facilities on Russian territory, attempting to weaken its military resources. Recently, one of the tankers of the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia was attacked.

According to information, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an intention to expand the campaign of attacks on Ukrainian ports and shipping.

Strategy to impact the economy

“This is a deliberate strategy — to strike precisely at the economic component: exports and the economy of the country. And not only in the ports but across the entire territory. This is definitely more than just one particular region,” Vovk added.

“Ukrzaliznytsia” assessed the damage from attacks on railway infrastructure at 5.8 billion dollars. In 2025, over 1100 attacks on the company's facilities were recorded.

If grain exports suffer serious disruptions, international buyers may switch to other suppliers, which could lead to a drop in prices within the country and a lack of resources for farmers. This threatens a reduction in production even after the end of the war.

Thus, the Ukrainian authorities are actively working to strengthen air defense, as this could be a decisive factor in ensuring the economic stability of the country.

It is worth noting that Odesa suffered several attacks from Russian drones on New Year's Eve, as a result of which residential buildings and infrastructure were damaged.