Russia strikes seven Ukrainian cargo ships in Black Sea assault

Russia has reportedly attacked seven cargo vessels overnight using unmanned drones, targeting both the port of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine and vessels in the Black Sea, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The strikes represent the latest in a sustained campaign against Ukrainian maritime infrastructure and shipping operations in the region. Ukraine’s vital grain exports and other commodities have been repeatedly targeted since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, disrupting global food supplies and creating significant economic pressures on Kyiv. The Black Sea remains one of the most contested maritime zones in the conflict, with both sides competing for control of shipping lanes and port facilities. Ukraine has accused Russia of using drone attacks to deliberately undermine its economy and prevent the export of agricultural products, whilst Moscow claims it is targeting military-related infrastructure and vessels supplying Ukrainian forces. The reported attack comes amid ongoing tensions over access to Ukraine’s ports and international efforts to maintain safe corridors for civilian shipping in the region.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.