Russia Strikes Vessels Carrying Weapons to Ukraine Amid Escalating Black Sea Conflict

Russia's military actions in Ukraine have escalated with reports of strikes on vessels carrying weapons to Ukrainian ports near Odesa. On July 29, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that its forces had hit two vessels transporting weapons and military equipment to Ukrainian ports near Odesa.

Reuters could not independently verify this report. The ministry also claimed that additional strikes were carried out on a fuel storage facility in Odesa, as well as two more vessels in the port of Pivdennyi near Odesa, and another vessel northwest of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Black Sea.

Russia's Defence Ministry alleged that all the targeted vessels were being used to transport military supplies to Ukraine, but did not provide evidence. This incident comes amid renewed maritime hostilities in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, which have disrupted critical grain export routes and driven wheat prices higher.