Russian Drone Attack Hits Ukraine’s Izmail Port, Damages Foreign-Flagged Civilian Ships

Russian drones attacked Ukraine’s Izmail port in the Odesa region overnight, damaging foreign-flagged civilian vessels and port infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said several strikes were recorded in the port area.

A Panama-flagged vessel was damaged along with port equipment and infrastructure. He said the attacks were targeting critical logistics in the region.

Another drone strike hit a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel that was travelling through Ukraine’s maritime corridor to load corn.

The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories said a fire broke out on board but was quickly put out by the crew.

No injuries were reported, and the vessel was able to continue its journey and reach its destination port.

The Ukrainian navy identified one of the affected vessels as Lady Maris, which was heading to the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk to load grain.

A fire was reported on board following the strike, but the crew was not harmed.

Izmail lies on the Danube River near the border with Romania and has become an important logistics hub for Ukraine during the war. It has been targeted several times.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said the attack damaged port infrastructure, including a berth and a barge.

In nearby areas, a car repair shop was destroyed, and a fire burned two passenger buses and seven cars. Six private houses were also damaged, mainly their roofs, and an ambulance was hit.

Regional prosecutors later said a 51-year-old man was hospitalised following the attack.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched four missiles and 129 drones overnight. Air defence units said they shot down or neutralised one missile and 114 drones.

Despite the attacks, port operations continued. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority said the port was still working, and officials confirmed that the maritime corridor remains in operation.

Since it started in September 2023, the corridor has carried more than 190 million tonnes of cargo, including over 110 million tonnes of grain.

Ukrainian officials said the route remains important for exports, especially agricultural goods, and for global food supply.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s ports and shipping routes during the war, focusing on infrastructure linked to exports and the country’s economy.

References: Reuters, mindev