Russia Strikes 2 Ukrainian Ships In Black Sea & Another Vessel In Port Of Mykolaiv

Russia struck 2 Ukrainian maritime vessels and port infrastructure in southern Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry stated on July 28.

According to Moscow, munitions and attack drones hit a transhipment complex at the port of Mykolaiv, along with fuel and lubricant storage tanks intended to supply Ukrainian forces, and a vessel docked at the facility.

In a separate strike in a strait roughly 11 kilometres east of Odesa, Russian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a dry cargo bulk carrier carrying military supplies to the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.

However, Russian officials did not name the targeted vessels or provide photographic or video evidence of military cargo.

Ukrainian authorities and port officials presented a starkly different account, stating that Russian strikes in Mykolaiv and around Odesa hit civilian infrastructure and commercial ships, many of which have remained trapped in Ukrainian ports since the 2022 Russian invasion.

Officials in Mykolaiv confirmed that recent strikes on the port complex damaged three civilian vessels and caused casualties, including the death of a 48-year-old port worker.

The attacks mark a sharp escalation of military activity across the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, where both sides have intensified strikes against oil tankers and port facilities.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that Russian forces targeted more than 30 civilian merchant ships in July alone, including the bulk carrier Golden Leo, which was hit by missiles off Odesa, after which it sank.

As Ukraine continues strikes against Russian naval assets and shipping in the eastern Black Sea, marine insurance costs have increased, and also concerns regarding global food security.