Russia Says It Hit Ukrainian Ports, Cargo Ships in Odesa and Chornomorsk

Russia said Wednesday that its forces launched strikes on the Ukrainian port cities of Odesa and Chornomorsk, targeting port infrastructure, cargo vessels, and military-related facilities that Moscow claims were supporting Ukraine’s armed forces.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the attacks hit a dry-cargo ship unloading at Chornomorsk port, along with a military cargo warehouse and fuel and lubricant storage facilities. The ministry also said Russian forces struck loading and storage sites in Odesa, as well as a dry-cargo vessel and a bulk carrier that were allegedly transporting supplies intended for the Ukrainian military.

In a separate statement posted on Telegram later Wednesday, Russia said its drones carried out additional strikes throughout the day against four cargo ships and one bulk carrier operating in the Black Sea and inside the port of Chornomorsk. Moscow claimed the vessels were carrying cargo that would benefit Ukraine’s military operations.

The Defense Ministry further reported that Russian drones destroyed three warehouses used to store Ukrainian drones, describing the attacks as part of ongoing efforts to weaken Ukraine’s military logistics and supply network.

Reuters was unable to independently verify Russia’s claims regarding the strikes, the targeted vessels, or the alleged military cargo.

The latest attacks underscore the growing intensity of the conflict in the Black Sea region, where both Russia and Ukraine have increasingly targeted maritime infrastructure and commercial shipping. Since the war began more than four years ago, both sides have expanded military operations across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, attacking oil tankers, cargo ships, and other vessels linked to logistics and supply chains.

The continued escalation around key Ukrainian ports has raised concerns over regional security, global shipping routes, and the stability of grain and commercial exports through the Black Sea, an area that remains strategically important for both military operations and international trade.