Security at ports in the Odesa region is being significantly stepped up — Kuleba
During a working visit to the Odesa region on September 22, Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Recovery Oleksii Kuleba announced the implementation of additional security measures for maritime infrastructure.
The main focus is on protecting the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk, which are critical for Ukrainian exports.
The military command and the government are implementing a comprehensive approach that includes both technical upgrades and organizational reinforcement.
Currently, the number of mobile fire teams, which have proven their effectiveness in combating kamikaze drones, is being increased.
In addition, significant attention is being paid to the latest technologies for intercepting aerial targets.
Crews for specialized UAV interceptors are being reinforced, and the capabilities of electronic warfare (EW) systems are being expanded to suppress enemy signals.
“We are strengthening our defenses: increasing the number of mobile fire groups, staffing UAV interceptor crews, expanding EW capabilities, and improving coordination with the military. In percentage terms, the effectiveness of shootdowns has already increased by 25–35%,” noted Oleksiy Kuleba.
According to the minister, in 2026, the intensity of shelling targeting the port infrastructure of Odesa and Chornomorsk significantly exceeded last year’s figures.
While approximately 150 attacks were recorded for the entire year of 2025, as of September 2026, their number had already exceeded 180.
Russian occupation forces are increasingly using tactics of massive strikes, attempting to exhaust the air defense system.
The increase in the number of attack drones launched by the enemy requires Ukraine to constantly adapt its countermeasures.
“The enemy is using massive strikes and increasing the number of UAVs,” Kuleba added, emphasizing the complexity of the current security situation in the region.
Despite the pressure, the port sector continues to operate, ensuring the functioning of the maritime corridor.
It is worth noting that Ukraine’s defense is more important to Europe than the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers has allocated over ₴12 billion to protect critical infrastructure ahead of the coming winter.
