Ten killed as Russian attacks on merchant ships in Black Sea intensify
But Russia’s escalation of attacks on cargo ships is likely meant to deter foreign companies from buying Ukrainian products and using the Black Sea maritime corridor.
On Sunday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi said his government and military command were “preparing decisions that will increase the security of navigation and help protect civilian ships and sailors from Russian attacks.”
Despite constant bombardment, Odessa remains an important holiday destination for Ukrainians.
Governor Oleh Kiper said earlier this month that air raid shelters had been set up at 40 public beaches in the region, but warned that seaside locations could be particularly dangerous because drones and missiles are frequently launched from the sea.
Ukraine has also increased its attacks against Russian assets in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
On Monday, Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, said 183 ships were hit in July. Although this figure has not been independently verified, the BBC has seen evidence on satellite that numerous ships have been damaged in both the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Elsewhere in the country, five people were killed in separate Russian attacks on eastern and southern Ukrainian cities.
According to the UN, June saw the highest number of Ukrainian civilians killed and injured since April 2022. At least 293 civilians were killed and 1,990 people were injured.
Kiev also continued to hit logistics facilities and an oil depot in Russia’s Moscow region. Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of the Russian capital, said Kiev launched 400 drones into the area on Monday night but most were shot down. Local authorities later said 10 people were injured as a result of the incident.
Local authorities in Russia’s Belgorod border region said five people, including a child, were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on a bus on Monday. Ukraine has not yet commented.
