Russian Strike on Liberian-Flagged Cargo Ship in Odesa Port Kills One Sailor

A Russian strike on a Liberian-flagged civilian cargo ship at a port in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed one sailor and wounded three others on Saturday, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

The authority said in a statement on the Telegram app that 13 other crew members were evacuated to safety. Officials did not disclose the vessel’s name, the specific port where it was struck, or the nature of its cargo, Reuters reported.

The strike comes as Russia has effectively renewed its blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports since the summer, disrupting trade routes and dealing a heavy blow to grain and steel exports, according to Reuters.

Russia’s Defence Ministry later confirmed the attack, Interfax news agency reported, citing the ministry.

The incident highlights the growing risks for commercial shipping and foreign-flagged vessels operating around Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, which remain crucial to the country’s international trade.

Also on Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue “mass retaliatory strikes” on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the country. The Associated Press reported that Moldovan President Maia Sandu said Russian air attack weapons violated her country’s airspace on the same day.

The fighting, now in its fifth year, continues along a roughly 1,250-kilometre front line with no concrete signs of a peace settlement, the Associated Press reported.

Sources

• Russia hits Liberian-flagged ship in Ukraine’s Odesa port, kills one — Reuters
• Russian attacks kill 6 in Ukraine and damage Kyiv’s Northern Bridge — The Associated Press (via Reflector)