Overview
- A U.S. delegation led by former envoy Keith Kellogg visited the Odesa Sea Port to see damage from recent Russian strikes and receive briefings on how seaports are operating under wartime conditions.
- On Aug. 21 the group inspected destruction at Odesa Commercial Sea Port and was shown measures used to protect navigation and keep the maritime corridor open for exports.
- Ukrainian officials warned that attacks on port infrastructure have sharply cut export flows, with August throughput reported at about 20% of potential and a separate estimate of 30% of target in the first two weeks.
- Discussions focused on rebuilding and resilience projects that could attract U.S. companies and private capital, including use of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund for port, rail, road and water projects.
- Officials said diplomatic efforts to secure a new Black Sea ceasefire have not succeeded, raising urgency to speed repairs, strengthen port protection and limit further harm to farmers, port workers and global food supplies.