Russia continues to destroy and undermine American business in Ukraine — ACC urges international partners to protect Ukrainian ports

Businesses united under the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (ACC) are calling on international partners to urgently strengthen air and maritime protection over Ukraine, particularly in Odesa region and around the critically important Black Sea port infrastructure.

According to the ACC, “Russia continues to destroy and undermine American business in Ukraine.” Recent Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine and Odesa region have:

• resulted in injuries and fatalities among port workers and ship crews;
• damaged ports, energy facilities, grain storage sites, and commercial vessels;
• reduced terminal operations to 50%, with some terminals shut down entirely and most operating on generators;
• caused large-scale power outages and additional costs related to generator use;
• damaged power plants and electricity networks requiring urgent repairs;
• disrupted rail connections to ports;
• led to delays of commercial vessels and the accumulation of demurrage charges.

“While it is difficult to assess the losses of grain and oilseed exporters in real time, they are currently estimated at hundreds of millions of US dollars per month. Without a significant strengthening of air and maritime defense systems, both Ukrainian and international businesses will face critical operational challenges, including the inability to charter vessels and obtain insurance coverage for ships, crews, and cargoes,” the statement said.

The Chamber urges international partners to urgently enhance air and maritime protection for Ukraine to safeguard civilian lives, ensure the security of critical infrastructure, and protect port operations.