Russian forces have struck two civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea near Ukraine’s southern ports, Ukrainian officials said, in what Kyiv described as a further escalation of attacks on commercial shipping amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Ukrainian authorities, unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Russia targeted two foreign-flagged cargo ships operating close to the port of Chornomorsk, a critical hub for Ukraine’s maritime exports. One vessel was waiting to enter port to load agricultural cargo, while the second had recently departed after completing loading operations.

The strikes caused damage to both ships and sparked a fire on one of the vessels, which was later extinguished by emergency services. Ukrainian officials reported that at least one crew member was injured and evacuated for medical treatment, while the remaining crew members were unharmed. Despite the damage, one of the vessels was able to continue its voyage under its own power.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba condemned the attacks, stating that civilian shipping and international trade routes were being deliberately targeted. He emphasized that Ukraine’s Black Sea ports play a vital role in global food supply chains and warned that continued strikes threaten maritime safety and economic stability beyond the region.

Regional authorities in Odesa said the incident was part of a broader pattern of drone and missile attacks affecting port infrastructure and commercial vessels along Ukraine’s coastline. They noted that such actions increase risks for seafarers and raise costs for ship operators due to higher insurance premiums and security concerns.

Russia has repeatedly denied intentionally targeting civilian vessels, maintaining that ships approaching Ukrainian ports could be considered as carrying strategic or military-related cargo. Ukrainian officials and international maritime observers have rejected this claim, arguing that the affected vessels were engaged in legitimate commercial activity.

The Black Sea remains a critical but increasingly dangerous route for maritime trade as the conflict continues. Despite mounting security risks, Ukraine and its international partners continue efforts to keep export corridors open, highlighting their importance to global grain and commodity markets.