Russia says drone strikes targeted Odesa port facilities

Russia reports fresh drone strikes near Odesa

Moscow, September 20, 2026 — Russia's Ministry of Defence said Russian forces carried out further drone strikes against Ukrainian port facilities and maritime assets that Moscow says are being used to support the Ukrainian armed forces.According to a statement reported by Russia's Sputnik news agency, Russian forces continued attacks on Ukrainian ports and naval vessels during the day. The Russian Defence Ministry said the operations were directed at infrastructure it considers connected to Ukraine's military logistics.

Cargo ship targeted at Odesa port

The Russian Defence Ministry said a dry cargo vessel at the port of Odesa was targeted because it was allegedly carrying military supplies intended for Ukrainian forces. The ministry did not provide independent evidence in the statement to establish the nature or quantity of the alleged cargo.Odesa is one of Ukraine's major Black Sea ports and has remained an important part of the country's maritime trade and logistics network during the conflict. Russia has repeatedly reported strikes on port-related infrastructure in the wider Odesa region.

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Russia also reports strike on ammunition depot

The Russian ministry also said an ammunition storage facility in Petrovka, described as being around 38 kilometres north of Odesa, was targeted. The statement did not provide independently verified details about the extent of damage or casualties connected to the reported strike. As with other battlefield claims issued by either side during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the reported details should be treated as claims unless independently confirmed by reliable sources.

Odesa ports remain strategically important

The latest Russian statement comes amid continued military pressure on Ukraine's Black Sea infrastructure. Reuters has reported that Russian attacks have increasingly affected Odesa-area ports, which are important for Ukraine's grain and other exports. Earlier reporting also documented Russian claims of strikes against cargo vessels and port facilities linked to Ukrainian military logistics.

Russia explains its targeting strategy

Moscow has repeatedly said that its strikes are aimed at infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations. Russian officials have also argued that maritime routes can be used to move military supplies into Ukraine.The Russian Defence Ministry has previously described its attacks as part of an effort to reduce Ukraine's military and logistical capabilities. These explanations represent the Russian government's position and are not independent assessments of the targets.

Wider Black Sea security concerns

The attacks come as both Russia and Ukraine continue to target maritime and infrastructure assets connected to the wider conflict. Reuters reported in July that attacks on vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov had increased, with both countries accusing the other of targeting strategically important shipping assets.The security situation around the Black Sea remains significant for regional shipping, military logistics and agricultural exports. Any prolonged disruption to maritime infrastructure can also affect commercial shipping routes and supply chains.

The latest reports are part of a broader escalation in long-range drone and missile activity across Ukraine and Russia. Recent Russian attacks have also affected areas outside Odesa, while Ukraine has carried out its own long-range drone operations against targets inside Russia. Reuters reported fresh Russian strikes across Ukraine on September 20, including attacks in the Kyiv region that Ukrainian authorities said caused civilian deaths.The Russian Defence Ministry's latest claims concerning Odesa, the cargo vessel and the Petrovka ammunition facility had not been independently verified in the reporting reviewed for this article. Further information from Ukrainian authorities, independent investigators or satellite imagery could provide additional confirmation about the reported targets and damage.