Russia claims to have struck four cargo ships allegedly carrying military supplies to Ukraine, escalating tensions in the region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that four cargo ships, which it claims were transporting military and dual-use materials to Ukraine, were targeted by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ministry reported that three of the ships were struck at Reni Port on the Danube River in Ukraine, while the fourth was hit while en route to Odessa Port in the Black Sea.
In a statement made on Tuesday, October 20, it was noted that attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure and facilities allegedly used for military logistics activities continued throughout the night.
Three cargo ships targeted at Reni Port
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that three cargo ships located at Reni Port in the Odessa region were damaged as a result of UAV attacks.
The ministry asserted that the ships were unloading military and dual-use materials for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It was reported that, in addition to the ships, infrastructure facilities supporting the operations of loading and unloading terminals at the port were also damaged.
However, the names, flags, operators, and details of the cargoes of the targeted ships were not disclosed.
The fourth ship heading to Odessa was also struck
According to Russia's statement, another cargo ship was attacked by UAVs while en route to Odessa Port.
Russian officials claimed that the ship in question was carrying military supplies for the Ukrainian army.
No information was shared regarding the exact location of the ship at the time of the attack, the extent of the damage it sustained, or whether it was able to continue its voyage.
There was also no statement regarding the status of the crew on the four ships.
Ukraine's logistics center also targeted
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that an attack was also carried out on a logistics center located in the city of Kovel in the Volyn region of northwestern Ukraine on the same night.
The ministry claimed that the facility belonging to Windor Trans Service was used for the storage and distribution of materials and equipment sent to the Ukrainian army.
It was stated that the logistics center was damaged as a result of the attack.
Security risks at Danube ports are increasing
Reni Port, located near the Romanian border, plays a significant role in Ukraine's foreign trade and cargo transportation via the Danube River.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, disruptions in maritime transportation in the Black Sea have increased the importance of Ukraine's Danube ports.
Reni and Izmail ports are among the alternative routes used, particularly for delivering grain and other commercial cargoes to international markets.
Allegations of attacks on commercial vessels in the ports are significant not only for Ukraine's logistics activities but also for the safety of foreign-flagged ships and sailors operating in the region.
The identities of the ships have not yet been disclosed
Despite the mention of four ships being targeted in Russia's statement dated October 20, detailed information confirming the identities of the ships and the damage from the attacks has not been shared.
No independent verification statement regarding the four ships in question has yet been obtained from Ukrainian authorities.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
