Russia Strikes Odesa Ports, Energy: Aims to Cut Ukraine from Sea Amid Diplomatic Push

• Russia intensified strikes on Odesa's ports and energy sites, including Pivdennyi port and a critical route to Moldova.
• The attacks aim to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea, impacting foreign trade and fuel supplies.
• Pivdennyi port suffered hits to reservoirs; a prior missile strike killed 8 and injured 30.
• Energy facilities were damaged, causing blackouts for hundreds of thousands in Odesa.
• Strikes escalate despite US diplomatic efforts to broker an end to the war.

Why It Matters: Russia escalates attacks on Odesa's vital infrastructure to sever Ukraine's Black Sea access.