Russian missiles targeted a civilian container ship in Ukraine’s Odesa region on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of eight people, local officials reported. This incident marks the third assault on civilian vessels within a span of just four days, described by Odesa region head Oleh Kiper as yet another act of aggression by an “insidious enemy.”
The attack specifically targeted port infrastructure, and all casualties were Ukrainian nationals. Among the victims were a 46-year-old port employee and another man, aged 26, who succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Several others sustained injuries during the assault.
These strikes on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports coincided with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s European tour, where he is meeting with leaders in London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin. In a recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, concerns were raised about Ukraine facing its most challenging winter since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelensky was slated to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Berlin, but Biden canceled his trip due to Hurricane Milton’s threat to the U.S., raising concerns over ongoing support for Ukraine as U.S. elections approach.
The overnight attacks also extended to the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where multiple people were wounded, and at least 29 homes were destroyed. Residents reported hearing warnings of a glide-bomb attack before the strikes occurred, leaving many in shock and disarray.
In retaliation, Ukrainian drones targeted a military airfield in Russia’s Maikop region, leading to the evacuation of 40 residents from a nearby village.
The recent missile strike on the Odesa region hit a Panamanian-registered vessel and follows prior attacks on other ships, including a Palau-flagged vessel that resulted in one death. Ukraine has accused Russia of intentionally targeting its Black Sea ports to undermine grain exports crucial for international food security.
The Kremlin has yet to comment on the recent attacks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov not addressing them during a daily briefing.
Local residents expressed anxiety over the renewed violence, fearing for their safety as missile strikes and drone attacks become more frequent. Amid these fears, they worry about the potential compromises President Zelensky may propose as he seeks to end the ongoing conflict.