Russia attacks Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa; Ukraine strikes key Russian ship
Russia launched a drone attack against targets in Odesa, killing at least three people and leaving thousands without electricity after a power substation was struck, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday.
One of those killed was a 2-year-old child. At least 16 others were injured in the drone attack, including a pregnant woman and two other children, Mr. Zelenskyy posted on Telegram.
“My sincere condolences to the families and loved one,” Mr. Zelenskyy posted. “Overall, during the night, the Russians launched over 140 strike drones against Ukraine. In some regions, the attacks are still ongoing.”
He said repair crews worked throughout the night to restore electricity in Odesa, Ukraine’ primary maritime seaport on the Black Sea.
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“All partners need to work together to strengthen air defense so that the percentage of drone and missile damage can be reduced,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. “Russia is not going to stop.”
As Odesa was being attacked by drones, Ukraine launched a strike on a critical frigate in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The attacks occurred simultaneously at opposite ends of the sea’s northern coast.
Ukrainian military officials confirmed Monday that their forces launched a drone strike on the Russian warship Admiral Grigorovich. It was the first frigate equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, officials in Kyiv said.
The proximity of the two attacks underscores the nature of the maritime conflict in the region between Moscow and Kyiv. While Russia is attacking cities along the Black Sea to disrupt daily life, Ukraine is using long-range drones to strike the Russian navy in its “safe haven” of Novorossiysk.
The Admiral Grigorovich is armed with the Russian Shtil-1 defense system to protect the frigate against air attacks.
“The air defense missile launchers were carried out directly from the frigate’s deck, while approaching the target, which did not prevent us from pecking at the [ship],” Maj. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, posted on Telegram.
“The operation was carried out by the [drones] of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces. It was planned and coordinated by the Security Service of Ukraine,” Maj. Brovdi posted. “The extent of the damage is being assessed by intelligence.”
