Russian strikes have damaged civilian ports in southern Ukraine, raising new concerns over Black Sea security. Ukrainian officials said the attacks had no military purpose and hit commercial areas instead.
The strikes targeted the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa in Ukraine’s Odesa region. Both ports sit along the Black Sea and play a key role in trade. Ukrainian navy sources confirmed that three Turkish-owned commercial vessels were damaged during the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared video footage from Chornomorsk. The video showed firefighters trying to control a fire on a civilian ship. Zelenskyy said the attack had no military value. He accused Russia of deliberately striking normal life and civilian trade.
One of the damaged vessels was the Cenk T. The ship is Turkish-owned and sails under the Panama flag. Its operator, Cenk Shipping, said the strike happened around 4pm local time. The company confirmed that no crew members were hurt. It also said the ship suffered only limited damage.
In the city of Odesa, a cargo-loading facility was also hit. Ukrainian officials said one worker from a private company received minor injuries. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba stated that drones and ballistic missiles were used. He said the strikes focused on civilian logistics and commercial shipping sites.
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Cenk T was among the vessels affected. The ministry said no Turkish citizens were injured. It warned that such attacks increase risks to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Erdogan called for a limited ceasefire covering ports and energy facilities. He said such steps could prevent further escalation. Turkey has also repeated its offer to mediate between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy said the strikes show Russia has little interest in diplomacy. He warned that the attacks aim to prolong the conflict. He urged global partners to hold those responsible accountable for targeting civilian infrastructure.
The strikes come days after President Putin warned of cutting Ukraine off from the sea. The remarks followed Ukrainian maritime drone attacks on vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
In other related news also read Russia Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Turkey, which has the longest Black Sea coastline, remains deeply concerned. Officials stress the need for international cooperation to protect shipping routes and regional stability.
