Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Zelensky seeks 5% of US Patriot stockpile after Izmail strike
Ukraine and Russia are fighting a war, and each side is attacking the other.
Russia hit a big port in Ukraine called Izmail that is used to ship grain to other countries.
The attack broke port buildings and started a fire.
Grain is important because it is used to make food like bread and cereal.
Ukraine sends most of its grain to Europe through ports on the Black Sea.
Russia has been blocking that route with ships, so much less grain is being sent.
Ukraine attacked back, hitting military equipment near the home of Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, and a Russian port called Novorossiysk.
To protect its cities, Ukraine wants special missiles called Patriot interceptors that can stop other missiles in the sky.
Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, asked the United States to sell Ukraine just five percent of its supply of these missiles.
He said that would help Ukraine get through the winter and save people's lives.
Russian strikes damaged the Izmail port in the Odesa region, hitting infrastructure and starting a fire.
President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the US to sell Ukraine 5 percent of its Patriot interceptor stockpile to survive the winter.
Ukraine attacked air defense systems, including an S-400 launcher, near Vladimir Putin's residence in Gelendzhik.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk damaged two grain terminals, killing 3 and injuring 24.
Russia's Black Sea naval blockade has cut Ukrainian grain exports by 76 percent year-on-year.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian forces, and the Russian military.
- What
- Russia struck the Izmail port in Odesa, while Ukraine attacked air defense systems near Gelendzhik and the Novorossiysk port; Zelensky urged the US to sell Ukraine 5% of its Patriot interceptor stockpile.
- When
- Over the last week, with Zelensky making his appeal on Wednesday.
- Where
- The Izmail port in the Odesa region of southern Ukraine; Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk in Russia; the Black Sea.
- Why
- Ukraine seeks to defend its grain export infrastructure and counter Russian strikes amid the war and Russia's Black Sea naval blockade.
Ukraine's account
Russia's account
Novorossiysk port attack
Ukraine's account
Ukraine's SBU called the attack strategically significant, and Zelensky said two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette and other vessels were hit.
Russia's account
Russian authorities reported the attack damaged two grain terminals and killed 3 people while injuring 24.
- Attacked Ukrainian port
- Izmail, Odesa region, near the Romanian border
- Reported port damage
- Infrastructure hit, fire started, power cut in the city's southeast
- Zelensky's request
- 5% of the US Patriot interceptor stockpile
- Novorossiysk attack toll
- 3 killed, 24 injured; two grain terminals damaged
- Targets near Putin's residence
- Electronic warfare system and S-400 system, about 12 miles from his Gelendzhik home
- Grain export decline
- 76% year-on-year amid the Black Sea blockade
- Ukraine's grain share
- Supplies 90% of its grain to Europe via Black Sea ports