Ukraine Targets 20 Russian Ships as Black Sea Fighting Grows

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified in the Black Sea on Wednesday as Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine's southern port infrastructure, while Ukraine claimed to have carried out large-scale drone strikes against Russian vessels.

According to Ukrainian officials, several people were killed in Russian attacks targeting the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. At the same time, Ukraine said its drones struck 20 Russian ships operating in the Black Sea, increasing pressure on Moscow's maritime logistics.

Russian Attacks Hit Odesa Port Infrastructure

Odesa Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said Russia carried out a "massive" drone and missile attack on the southern region for the fifth consecutive day. He said the strikes targeted civilian facilities, industrial sites, and port infrastructure across the region.

Read More: Ukraine Says Drones Hit 12 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers

The head of Odesa's military administration, Serhiy Lysak, said at least three people were killed and three others were injured in the attacks on Wednesday.

Russia's Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces struck the ports of Odesa and Chernomorsk. The ministry said the attacks were aimed at infrastructure that Russia claims is being used to store fuel and assemble drones.

Black Sea Ports Remain Key Targets

Russian attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea ports have increased in recent days, particularly in the Greater Odesa area. These ports handle a large share of Ukraine's grain exports and other cargo, making them critical to the country's wartime economy and international trade.

The continued attacks highlight the strategic importance of Black Sea shipping routes for both countries.

Ukraine Claims Drone Strikes on 20 Russian Vessels

Ukraine also announced new operations against Russian maritime assets.

Commander of Ukraine's drone forces, Robert Brovdi, said Ukrainian drones struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea. According to Brovdi, the targets included:

• 17 oil tankers
• 2 gas tankers
• 1 tugboat

Earlier this week, Brovdi claimed that Ukrainian forces had "hunted down" 116 Russian vessels over a period of nine days.

Russia Plans to Redirect Exports

Following repeated attacks on Russian shipping, Moscow said on Tuesday that it is preparing to reroute exports after waves of Ukrainian strikes in the Sea of Azov.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described Ukraine's attacks on shipping as "terrorism."

EU Signals Stronger Defence Cooperation With Ukraine

As fighting continued, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian leaders.

In a post on X, von der Leyen said she would announce new measures to strengthen defence cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine.

"I will announce new initiatives to integrate our defence industries. So we can produce more, and faster," she wrote while sharing footage of her arrival in the Ukrainian capital.