Mikkel Christensen
Russian drone strikes reportedly hit two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, including a Chinese-linked cargo ship heading toward Ukraine’s Odesa region.
Russian drone strikes reportedly hit two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, including a Chinese-linked cargo ship heading toward Ukraine’s Odesa region.
According to Al Jazeera, the attack happened just one day before Russian President Vladimir Putin was due to arrive in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Ships targeted
Ukraine’s seaports authority said the strikes hit two civilian ships approaching ports near Odesa.
One vessel was reportedly sailing under a Marshall Islands flag, while the second sailed under Guinea-Bissau’s flag.
Ukraine’s navy said the Chinese-owned cargo vessel KSL Deyang was among the ships struck during the overnight attack.
Photos released by Ukrainian officials appeared to show visible fire damage along part of the ship’s exterior.
China connection
According to Ukrainian officials, the vessel had a Chinese crew onboard at the time of the strike.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia “could not have been unaware” the ship was linked to China.
There was no immediate response from Moscow regarding the allegations.
China has continued presenting itself as neutral in the war despite maintaining close ties with Russia.
Odesa under attack
Russia has repeatedly targeted infrastructure and shipping routes near Odesa since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The Black Sea port remains critical for Ukrainian agricultural exports and international shipping.
According to Reuters, the KSL Deyang was reportedly heading toward Ukraine to load iron ore concentrate.
Ukrainian officials said the vessel ultimately continued its journey after the crew handled the damage themselves.
Massive drone assault
Zelenskyy said Russian forces launched 524 drones and 22 missiles against Ukraine overnight.
The attack reportedly included ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
The strikes came as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues intensifying on multiple fronts.
Both sides have dramatically expanded long-range drone warfare over the past year.
Timing raises attention
The reported strike on a Chinese-linked vessel is likely to draw international attention ahead of Putin’s Beijing visit.
China has repeatedly called for peace talks but has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Analysts say Beijing’s relationship with Moscow remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues surrounding the war.
The incident also highlights growing risks facing civilian shipping operations in the Black Sea region.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, AFP, AP
