Ukraine says it has struck five vessels transporting illegal cargo in the Sea of Azov and in coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories.
A commander of Ukraine’s drone forces said the ships were involved in the “theft” of Ukrainian grain, as well as the transport of military supplies and fuel.
The strikes come a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war—an offer Putin rejected during his visit to a forum in Saint Petersburg.
Ukraine has also confirmed that one of its naval drones exploded near the Romanian coast on Friday. No injuries were reported.
The Ukrainian military said its drone operations commander, Robert Brovdi, stated that five “illegal moving vessels” were hit overnight in ports including Mariupol, Berdyansk, and other occupied coastal areas, which Ukraine considers temporarily seized.
He said the vessels were allegedly used to “steal Ukrainian grain” and transport military cargo and fuel. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that five of its citizens were killed in the attacks on two vessels in the Sea of Azov, though it did not specify who carried out the strikes.
Separately, Romanian authorities reported that a naval drone exploded near the Black Sea port of Constanța, causing damage but no casualties. Romania’s Defence Ministry said the explosion occurred near an oil terminal and affected a vessel and storage facilities.
Ukrainian officials later confirmed that one of its naval drones was involved, saying it deviated from its course due to Russian electronic interference. Moscow has not commented.
Three additional drones remain unaccounted for, while authorities say there is no further danger to shipping in the area.
