Russia Targets Ukrainian Ports of Odesa and Chernomorsk Over Alleged Military Supplies

Image Credits: Oleksiy Kuleba/Facebook

On May 23, Russia targeted Odesa, a key port city in Ukraine, with two ballistic missiles. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least two lives and left several others injured, as confirmed by local officials. The missiles hit civilian zones within the port area, leading to significant destruction.

Oleh Kiper, the Governor of Odesa Oblast, reported that among the deceased was a port worker and that eight individuals sustained injuries—four of whom are in critical condition. There were unverified claims suggesting that the death toll could be higher.

Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction, noted that the strikes damaged vital infrastructure including administrative buildings and an engine department. Windows shattered and doors were blown off their hinges as vehicles and essential equipment lay wrecked on-site. Images from the aftermath depicted containers engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing into the sky.

Kuleba emphasized that this assault occurred during normal operations at a civilian facility crucial for global food exports. He condemned Russia’s actions against what he termed a “strategically important object” vital for maintaining world food security.In response to these events, Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged launching Iskander-type ballistic missiles but claimed they targeted military assets—a container ship and warehouse allegedly holding military supplies like drone components and artillery shells. They pointed to secondary explosions as proof of their assertions.

Ukrainian authorities refuted any claims regarding military usage at Odesa’s terminal or damage to any vessels present during the attack; they maintained it was strictly a civilian target. Interestingly enough, vessel tracking data indicated no container ships were docked there accept for one small German-managed cargo vessel.

The coordinated strikes also impacted Chernomorsk—a neighboring Ukrainian port city—where Russia asserted it aimed at military facilities; however, Ukraine has not verified any such activities occurring there either.

Kuleba remarked on how these missile attacks are part of an ongoing Russian strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine’s maritime trade capabilities. Since February 2022’s full-scale invasion began, nearly 400 pieces of port infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed along with over 30 ships lost to conflict-related incidents. Additionally, around 106 civilians working in ports have suffered injuries throughout this period.

These assaults come amid reports indicating Ukrainian exports—including grain and metals—were beginning to recover towards pre-war levels with some container operations resuming via feeder vessels operating out of Odesa port.