Ukraine Prepares Response to Port Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on July 31 to review the battlefield situation and measures to counter Russian attacks on port infrastructure and the maritime corridor.

Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi briefed participants on developments along key front-line sectors, including areas near Slovyansk and Kostiantynivka and the Zaporizhzhia direction. Zelenskyy described the situation as difficult and said the government would seek to expand programs supporting Ukrainian military units.

Officials also discussed Russia’s ongoing strikes on Odesa and the surrounding region, logistical challenges, and implementation of Ukraine’s long-range sanctions plan. Reports were delivered by Navy Commander Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Defense Intelligence Chief Oleh Ivashchenko and Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi.

The meeting addressed efforts to diversify export routes through cooperation with neighboring countries. Zelenskyy said protecting grain exports and maritime trade was important for global food security, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where disruptions could contribute to higher food prices, migration and instability.

The president said intelligence reports indicated Russia may be preparing further attacks against Ukraine and Ukrainian vessels. He added that countermeasures were being prepared and that Ukraine had updated its requests for military supplies from international partners.