The Ukrainian ports of Odesa and Chernomorsk were hit in the latest wave of Russian airstrikes, described as among the most extensive since the war began.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed the attacks were aimed at military targets, including a vessel allegedly carrying drones and other military supplies.
In response, Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction, condemned the strike on Odesa’s civilian infrastructure. Posting on social media, Kuleba stated that Russia had targeted a “peaceful, strategically important site vital to global food security.”
Kuleba reported that the May 23 strike on Odesa included two ballistic missile attacks, resulting in the death of one port worker and injuries to eight others, four of whom are in critical condition.
Subsequent, unconfirmed reports indicated the death toll may have risen to three.
The port sustained significant damage. Administrative buildings had their windows and doors blown out, and vehicles and equipment were destroyed. Images from the scene showed containers engulfed in flames and large plumes of smoke visible from a distance.
Russian media publishes a video of the moment Russian forces bombed Ukrainian warehouses, storage facilities, and containers at the port of #Odesa #Russia #Ukraine #Russo_UkrainianWar #war pic.twitter.com/BLNGkVFbo2
— Amine Derghami (@Derghamia) May 26, 2025
Russia confirmed the use of Iskander missiles, claiming they struck a containership loaded with 100 containers of military cargo, including drone parts and artillery shells.
Some containers were reportedly still onboard the ship, while others were on the dock. The Ministry also stated that a container warehouse in Odesa was targeted, and secondary explosions were cited as evidence of munitions being present.
In addition to Odesa, Russia claimed it also hit military installations at the Port of Chernomorsk.
The attacks were part of what Ukrainian officials and media outlets described as the largest aerial assault to date, involving an estimated 367 drones and missiles across the country, including strikes in Kyiv.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed Ukrainian sources suggest that Russia is preparing a major new offensive, despite Trump’s continued calls for peace talks and a potential ceasefire.
Kuleba stated the weekend’s strikes were a continuation of Russia’s campaign to cripple Ukraine’s grain export infrastructure. According to him, nearly 400 pieces of port equipment and over 30 vessels have been damaged or destroyed since the war began.
Ukraine also reports that 106 civilian port workers have been injured during the conflict, though no official death toll has been released.
The attacks came just as Ukraine announced its exports had rebounded to pre-war levels.
In addition to grain, the country is now shipping metal products and raw materials. Container services have also resumed, with major shipping lines operating feeder services through the Odesa port complex.
