Russian Defense Ministry Reports Strikes on Two Ukrainian Cargo Ships

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its units struck two cargo ships transporting military equipment destined for Ukraine’s armed forces. The vessels were engaged while transiting the sea near the ports of Chornomorsk and Izmail, both located in Odesa Oblast.

Continued Naval and Port Targeting

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense said its armed forces conducted sustained strikes throughout the day against Ukrainian seaports and naval vessels belonging to Ukraine’s armed forces, using unmanned aerial vehicles.

The ministry specified that one dry-cargo ship carrying a military consignment was hit at the port of Chornomorsk in Odesa Oblast. A second cargo ship, en route to the port of Izmail to deliver military equipment for Ukraine’s armed forces, was also struck during its maritime transit.

Strategic Context of the Strikes

These attacks form part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s ability to receive weapons and military equipment through its principal seaports.

On Thursday morning, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that its forces carried out an intensive strike overnight targeting military-industrial facilities, as well as energy and transportation infrastructure in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa.