Russia says it hit 27 vessels supporting Ukraine in past week UPDATED

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces struck 27 maritime vessels over the past week that it described as being used in support of Ukrainian operations, including dry cargo ships, container vessels and bulk carriers.

In a statement, the ministry said 16 dry cargo ships and 10 vessels classified as container ships and bulk carriers were among those hit.

The ministry also reported strikes on what it described as military-related infrastructure in Kyiv and the surrounding region, including defence industry facilities, logistics hubs, fuel and energy sites, and transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces.

Additional targets cited included locations associated with the production and storage of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed boats, as well as ammunition depots and temporary deployment points of Ukrainian troops.

11:22

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces carried out strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine, targeting what it described as fuel storage and military-related facilities in Odesa, Izmail and Mykolaiv.

“In the port of Odesa, fuel and lubricant storage tanks for the Ukrainian armed forces were hit as a result of the strikes. In the port of Izmail, port infrastructure facilities intended for unloading and storing military cargo were hit, including three storage sites for unmanned surface vessels, including the ‘Magura’ USV, and a hangar with Ukrainian military equipment.

“In addition, a floating dock used for the storage and launch of autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles was hit. In the port of Mykolaiv, a dry cargo ship delivering military supplies was struck during unloading,” the ministry said.

9:52

Russia and Ukraine reported large-scale overnight aerial attacks on July 24, with both sides releasing official data on interceptions and strikes amid ongoing hostilities.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 571 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight. According to the ministry, the drones were neutralized across multiple regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Novgorod, Oryol, Pskov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver and Tula, as well as the Moscow region and Krasnodar Territory. Interceptions were also reported over the Azov and Black Seas.

Ukraine, meanwhile, said Russia launched five Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles from airspace over the Black Sea, along with 180 strike drones overnight. The drones included Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and Parodiya-type decoy unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to preliminary Ukrainian data, air defence systems shot down or suppressed four of the five guided missiles and 160 drones.

Ukrainian authorities reported that one guided missile struck a target, while 14 attack drones hit nine separate locations. Debris from intercepted drones was reported at eight additional sites.

“The attack continues; several Russian UAVs remain in the airspace. Follow safety rules!” the Ukrainian armed forces said.

By Tamilla Hasanova