Russia says drone strikes hit 4 Ukrainian military cargo ships in Black Sea, Mykolaiv
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Russia's defense ministry said on Monday its forces struck four Ukrainian cargo ships it claimed were carrying military supplies. Two vessels were hit at Mykolaiv port and two in the Black Sea, according to the ministry, even as Ukraine continues to use the route for grain exports.
The Attack
On Monday, Russia's defense ministry announced that its forces used unmanned aerial vehicles to strike four dry cargo ships. Two were located in Mykolaiv (formerly Nikolayev) port, and two were sailing in the Black Sea. The ministry said the vessels were carrying military cargo for Ukraine, but did not provide evidence. No independent confirmation of the strikes was immediately available.
Black Sea Tensions
Since the expiration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023, both Ukraine and Russia have targeted each other's port infrastructure. Ukraine has established its own shipping corridor, which has come under repeated attacks. Russia's stated justification for the strikes is to disrupt weapons supplies. The latest claim follows a pattern of Russian accusations that Ukraine uses civilian vessels for military logistics.
What's Next
Ukraine is expected to refute the Russian claims and may provide its own account of the incident. Whether the strikes will disrupt Ukraine's maritime exports or prompt an escalation remains unclear.
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Russia says drone strikes hit 4 Ukrainian military cargo ships in Black Sea, Mykolaiv
