Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces struck ports in Odessa and Mykolaiv using precision-guided weapons and combat drones, damaging an electronic reconnaissance site and hitting a freighter loaded with military cargo. A second freighter was reportedly attacked off the Ukrainian coast. Kyiv had not commented and independent verification was not immediately available. Moscow has previously sought to disrupt shipping in the Odessa region and along the Danube and Bug rivers.
Russia Says It Struck Odessa and Mykolaiv Ports — Freighters and Reconnaissance Site Damaged
FILE PHOTO - Smoke rises in the Odessa region following a Russian missile attack. (is associated with: «Russia says freighters hit in attacks on Ukraine's Odessa, Mykolaiv») Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Russian forces struck port facilities in the southern Ukrainian cities of Odessa and Mykolaiv, causing notable damage.
According to the ministry, and reported by the state news agency TASS, the Russian Air Force used precision-guided munitions and combat drones to target the two ports. The statement said a freighter carrying military cargo was hit near Mykolaiv and that an electronic reconnaissance facility in Odessa sustained damage. A separate freighter carrying military goods was also reportedly attacked off the Ukrainian coast.
Attribution and Verification
The ministry's account comes from Moscow and has not been independently verified. Ukraine had not issued a public response to the claims at the time of the report. International and independent sources have not yet corroborated the details.
Broader Context
Moscow has frequently targeted maritime and river shipping routes in the region, including efforts to disrupt traffic in the Odessa area and along the Danube and Bug rivers. Such attacks, if confirmed, could further complicate logistical operations and commercial shipping in southern Ukraine.
Note: The information in this article reflects official statements from the Russian Defence Ministry and reporting by state media; independent confirmation is pending.
Help us improve.
