The Russian Defense Ministry has published video footage showing drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cargo ships and naval vessels in two ports, according to RT. The strikes reportedly took place in the port of Chernomorsk in the Odessa region and the Dnepr-Bug port near Galitsynovo in the Nikolaev region.
The released video features Geran-4 Seeker UAVs detecting and striking several maritime targets, leading to visible explosions. While the ministry did not disclose the full extent of the damage, it confirmed that the strikes aimed at disrupting Kyiv's military supply lines.
These drone attacks are part of a wider Russian offensive this week against Ukrainian ports and shipping facilities that support the Ukrainian armed forces. The ministry stated Russian forces targeted cargo vessels in Chernomorsk, Odessa, Yuzhny, and Dnepr-Bug, focusing on ships transporting military equipment and supplies.
In addition to the vessels, Russian forces reportedly struck port infrastructure used for unloading and storing military cargo, fuel, and lubricants. Facilities involved in the assembly and production of UAVs were also targeted, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of the campaign.
On Thursday, Russian forces also attacked a cargo ship en route to Chernomorsk and a Ukrainian special operations speedboat near Snake Island, according to the ministry.
Why this matters
This series of strikes highlights Russia's intensification of long-range attacks on Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and dual-use infrastructure. Moscow claims these operations respond to increased Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian sites, reflecting the escalating conflict and shifting battlefield dynamics.
The campaign's focus on key logistics hubs and naval assets aims to hinder Ukraine’s ability to resupply and sustain its military efforts, potentially impacting the ongoing war’s trajectory.
As the conflict continues, these targeted drone strikes demonstrate the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare and the strategic importance of maritime control in the region.
