Vessel hit in Mykolaiv port as Russia, Ukraine exchange drone attacks PHOTO

A vessel was struck in the port of Mykolaiv as Russia and Ukraine reported overnight drone attacks and counterattacks, according to official statements from both sides.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 356 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones between 20:00 Moscow time on July 27 and 08:00 on July 28. “UAVs were shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Smolensk and Tula regions, the Moscow region, as well as over the waters of the Sea of Azov,” the ministry said.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin earlier reported that more than 390 Ukrainian drones were heading toward the Moscow region overnight. According to him, most of the drones were neutralised by air defences on distant approaches to the capital between 20:30 on July 27 and 06:30 on July 28.

The Russian military also said it had continued strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels supporting the Ukrainian armed forces. “This morning, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continued strikes on Ukrainian ports and maritime vessels used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A bulk carrier transporting military cargo was hit by strike UAVs in the northwestern part of the Black Sea. In the port of Mykolaiv, a cable-laying vessel was hit,” the ministry said.

Ukraine, meanwhile, said Russia launched 131 strike drones overnight on July 28, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and decoy drones of the Parodiya type. Ukrainian authorities said 107 drones were shot down or suppressed.

According to preliminary data, 16 strike drones hit targets at nine locations, while debris from downed drones fell at six locations. Ukrainian officials warned that the attack was ongoing. “The attack continues; several Russian UAVs are in the airspace. Follow safety rules!” the Ukrainian military said.

By Tamilla Hasanova