Russia launches drone and missile raid on Ukraine hits ships

Russian forces launched a widespread drone and missile attack across Ukraine overnight, striking civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The assault, which Ukrainian officials said involved 232 drones and one ballistic missile, resulted in civilian casualties in multiple regions and damaged at least three foreign-flagged merchant ships navigating Ukraine's maritime export corridor.

Ukrainian air defense forces reported intercepting 217 of the drones. However, direct hits and falling debris caused significant damage. In the Odesa region, a large-scale drone attack damaged power lines, leaving roughly 4,000 people without electricity, according to regional head Oleh Kiper. No injuries were reported there, but the nearby port of Izmail also came under fire.

In the Black Sea, Russian drones struck three commercial vessels flying the flags of Vanuatu, the Comoros, and Panama as they moved along the corridor established by Ukraine for grain and other exports. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba confirmed the attacks, stating the strikes caused fires that were extinguished by the crews. Ukrainian naval officials provided specific details on...