On the night of September 15, 2026, Russian forces attacked the Odesa region with strike drones. Transport and logistics infrastructure was damaged, including a cargo truck and warehouse facilities. The attack targeted a region whose ports are used to export Ukrainian grain and other food products to global markets.
Russian attacks pose a direct threat to international shipping in the Black Sea. In June, Russian drones damaged two dry cargo vessels flying the flags of Panama and Barbados as they were sailing along Ukraine’s maritime corridor.
In July, Russian aircraft attacked the Golden Leo bulk carrier flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Ten crew members were killed and seven others were injured. The day before, one person was killed and three injured in an attack on the Venturo, a vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda.
In March 2025, a Russian strike on the MJ Pinar, linked to a Greek operator, killed four crew members. In September 2024, a Russian missile damaged a civilian cargo vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda in the port of Odesa.
Russia has repeatedly attacked vessels carrying international cargo. This creates risks for crews, European shipping companies and food supplies.
Ukraine must have the capability to strike back at Russian military infrastructure used to carry out attacks on Ukrainian ports and shipping. The ability to destroy these capabilities is an important tool of deterrence and a means of protecting international shipping in the Black Sea.
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