Russian drone and missile attacks intensify on Ukrainian Black Sea ports, damaging infrastructure and disrupting vital maritime trade.
Ukraine's Black Sea ports are facing intensified attacks from Russia, utilizing drones and missiles, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by U.S. and European leaders to finalize a peace agreement. The Ukrainian Navy has reported increasing damage to port infrastructure, with commercial vessels caught in the crossfire.
The overnight assaults primarily targeted the crucial ports of Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi, which have become vital alternatives to Odesa. These ports play a critical role in Ukraine's maritime trade, compensating for the eastern ports that were damaged or occupied in the early stages of the war. Odesa itself has been severely impacted by recent attacks, with authorities reporting at least one injury during the night.
Among the vessels affected during the attacks was the Greek-flagged ship Kaptan Karam. This bulk carrier, built in 2006 and with a capacity of 56,000 DWT, was reportedly loading wheat when the drone assault began.
Another vessel, Emmarkis III, also sustained damage. This bulk carrier, constructed in 2000 and with a capacity of 73,000 DWT, had been detained by Ukraine in July 2022. While the Kyiv administration claimed the vessel belonged to Russia, a Ukrainian court ruled for its confiscation. Authorities announced plans to sell Emmarkis III in 2025 to generate resources for Ukraine. Reports indicate that the vessel sustained damage overnight at Chornomorsk Port, which remains under Ukrainian control.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba emphasized that Russia is specifically targeting port infrastructure in these attacks, stating, “The enemy is trying to disrupt logistics and complicate maritime transportation.”
In addition to the damage to vessels, a vegetable oil storage tank owned by a private entity within the port area was also reported damaged during the attacks. Elsewhere in the country, Russian assaults have targeted production facilities.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
