Two foreign-flagged merchant vessels were damaged in a Russian drone attack while departing ports in Ukraine’s Odesa region on June 18, Ukrainian officials said.
According to Odesa Regional Governor Oleh Kiper, the vessels, sailing under the flags of Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis, were targeted by strike drones as they left port.
One crew member was killed and two others were injured aboard one of the ships. On the second vessel, three sailors were injured, including a Syrian second officer who received medical treatment.
Ukrainian authorities said both vessels later resumed their voyages, while port operations continue under heightened security measures.
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba said the attack demonstrated Russia’s continued targeting of civilian shipping, maritime infrastructure and export routes.
The latest attack follows earlier Russian drone strikes on merchant vessels operating along Ukraine’s Black Sea maritime corridor.
