Russian armed forces launched drone strikes targeting a dry-cargo ship delivering supplies to Ukrainian forces in the port of Odesa, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The maritime vessel was hit while navigating the sea, the ministry stated in a Telegram briefing reported by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA).
Port Attacks in Odesa and Danube Infrastructure
The overnight assault extended beyond the open sea. Russian forces also struck the Danube port of Vilkovo in the Izmail district of the Odesa region, BTA reported, citing the Russian military. Moscow stated that Vilkovo’s infrastructure was used to store and prepare uncrewed surface vessels for Ukraine’s armed forces. TASS reported that two temporary deployment points for naval drones were hit at that location.
Military strikes target transport hubs and affect Bulgarian communities
The Russian military tied the maritime and port strikes to military logistics. Alongside the Odesa region targets, a railway depot in Ukraine’s Poltava Oblast was hit for the same reason, according to BTA. These transport and logistics hubs support the Ukrainian armed forces, the ministry’s dispatches maintained. The strikes impacted a region with deep historical ties to Bulgarian communities. BTA noted that over 150,000 ethnic Bulgarians live in the Odesa region, placing them third by population size in local official censuses. Between 50,000 and 60,000 reside within Odesa itself, with the highest concentration located in the Bolhrad, Izmail, and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ports were targeted during the operations?
The Russian Ministry of Defence reported strikes on the port of Odesa, the Danube port of Vilkovo in the Izmail district, and the port of Chernomorsk in the Odesa region.
What specific military infrastructure did the strikes claim to hit?
According to TASS and BTA, the strikes hit two temporary deployment points for naval drones at Vilkovo, port infrastructure used for preparing uncrewed surface vessels, and a manufacturing workshop in Chernomorsk.
What inland logistics facilities were attacked?
BTA reported that Russian forces also targeted a railway depot in Ukraine’s Poltava Oblast during the same series of operations.