Russia announces that it struck two cargo ships and an oil tanker in the Black Sea

Russia’s Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday that its forces had struck two vessels in the Black Sea: a cargo ship and an oil tanker. The information was reported by the Russian news agency Interfax and carried by Reuters and Agerpres.

According to the report, a third cargo ship was hit east of the port of Odesa, in southern Ukraine. In the information cited, the Russian ministry did not provide details on the exact timing of the attacks, the extent of the damage or any possible casualties.

The announcement comes amid an escalation in attacks and incidents in the Black Sea area, where Ukrainian ports and maritime trade routes have become frequent targets during the war. Odesa and the region’s ports are important for Ukraine’s exports, including shipments of grain and other goods.

For now, the information about the vessels being hit comes from a statement by Russia’s Defence Ministry and has not been accompanied by independent confirmation from Ukrainian authorities or the vessels’ operators. International news agencies are monitoring developments.