Ukraine's Largest Grain Export Company Owner Killed by Mykolaiv Shelling as Shipments Set To Resume

As reported by Ukrainian officials, a Ukrainian grain billionaire and his wife were slain today in the the'strongest' Russian bombardment of the southern city of Mykolaiv thus far.

As Moscow continues to bombard the vast front line, Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa's house were reportedly hit by a missile overnight, killing them both.

Ukrainian Grain Tycoon Killed During Russian Attack

Forbes listed the foremost Ukrainian agriculture mogul as the country's 24th richest man, with a fortune of $430 million. The industrialist controlled Nibulon, a grain exporting organization that also built infrastructure for its exportation. The 74-year-old also received the renowned 'Hero of Ukraine' honor, which is the highest national title bestowed by the country's president on an individual.

According to Mykolaiv mayor Oleksandr Senkevych on Telegram, the mass bombardment that killed the couple was most likely the city's strongest to date, destroying a hotel, a sports complex, two schools, a gas station, and residences. Mykolaiv, which has been repeatedly bombarded, is the closest Ukrainian city to the southern front, where Kyiv's troops are planning a strong counter-offensive to reclaim ground lost during Russia's February invasion. It is also on the major road to Odesa, Ukraine's biggest port, Daily Mail reported.

As a key worldwide grain exporter, Ukraine's inability to transfer supplies due to the Russian invasion has had a significant influence on global food prices. The two countries last signed a deal, negotiated by the United Nations, to enable key Black Sea ports to reopen and resume exports.

However, the agreement was nearly derailed when Russian forces commenced bombarding the main port city of Odesa the day after it was signed. The first grain shipment is now scheduled to leave Odesa on Monday morning. Mykolaiv is about 130 kilometers distant from Odesa. Russia has disputed Ukrainian charges that it has been seizing wheat cultivated on occupied territory and transferring them to Russia, as per Newsweek via MSN.

Ukraine Grain Exports To Start Soon

Vadatursky's death was regarded as a big loss for all of Ukraine by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the tycoon was constructing a modern grain market with a network of transshipment ports and elevators. Three persons were also injured in the Mykolaiv strikes, Oleksandr Senkevych, who added that 12 missiles targeted residences and educational buildings. He had previously labeled the strikes as perhaps the most powerful on the city in the five-month battle.

On Sunday morning, more than 50 Grad missiles damaged residential neighborhoods in the southern city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Governor Valentyn Reznichenko stated on Telegram. One individual was injured. Ukrainian soldiers attacked Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Russian-held Sevastopol early Sunday, according to Crimean port city mayor Mikhail Razvozhayev.

Five staff members were injured in the incident when what seemed to be a drone flew into the headquarters' courtyard, he claimed. The Sevastopol strike occurred on Russia's Navy Day, which was commemorated by President Vladimir Putin's announcement that the navy will receive formidable hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles in the following months. These missiles can travel at nine times the speed of sound.

He did not mention that the Ukraine crisis in a speech following the signing of a new navy doctrine that portrayed the United States as Russia's principal enemy and outlined Russia's global maritime goals in critical areas such as the Arctic and the Black Sea. On February 24, Putin deployed tens of thousands of troops across the border, sparking a conflict that has killed hundreds, dislocated millions, and severely strained ties between Russia and the West.

The largest battle in Europe since World War II has also sparked an energy and food crisis, which is causing the world economy to tremble. Ukraine and Russia are both major grain suppliers, according to SBS News.