Russian forces carried out a massive strike on port infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region, according to regional governor Oleh Kiper.
He said that a merchant vessel sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda came under attack in the Black Sea. As a result of the strike, one person was killed and three others were injured.
Kiper added that infrastructure facilities were also damaged, including buildings, storage tanks, and warehouses.
Russia’s account
For its part, Russia’s Defense Ministry said that in the port of Chornomorsk it had struck a container ship that, according to the ministry, was unloading ammunition. The Russian side also reported a strike on a dry cargo vessel near Snake Island, which it claimed was transporting cargo for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The ministry further stated that in the port of Odesa it had hit port infrastructure allegedly used to unload fuel and lubricants, as well as fuel tanks said to be intended for supplying Ukrainian troops.
Context
In recent times, Russian forces have repeatedly struck vessels off the coast of Odesa region. Russia’s Defense Ministry claims such ships are being used “in the interests of” the Ukrainian armed forces. Authorities in Odesa region, meanwhile, say that foreign commercial vessels are also among those coming under attack.