Photo: Telegram
Russian occupying forces launched a ballistic missile attack on the port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine’s Odesa region on the afternoon of January 15. The strike left one person wounded and caused an oil spill.
This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, as well as the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).
According to Kuleba, the occupiers struck a pier at the Chornomorsk port with a ballistic missile. At the time of the attack, a civilian vessel flying the Maltese flag was at the pier, preparing to transport containerized cargo.
As a result of the strike, one crew member was injured. Three containers were damaged, and an oil spill occurred. Emergency crews are currently working to contain the consequences of the Russian attack, and floating booms have been installed.
“This is yet another act of Russian terror against civilian port infrastructure, international trade, and maritime safety. Russia is deliberately targeting facilities that ensure exports, logistics, and food security,” Kuleba said.
According to the USPA, the attack also caused a fire, and several containers carrying oil were damaged. The Maltese-flagged vessel sustained damage as well. Efforts are ongoing to prevent pollution of the port’s waters.
Earlier, on December 13, Russian forces attacked the Turkish civilian vessel VIVA, which was transporting sunflower oil from Ukraine to Egypt. The drone strike occurred in the open sea, within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone and outside the coverage area of Ukrainian air defenses.
