Russia's Defense Ministry said Sunday, October 25, that its forces struck two cargo vessels traveling toward Ukrainian Black Sea ports, alongside overnight attacks on logistics facilities in Kharkiv. Moscow claimed the ships were being used to supply Ukraine's military, although the reported strikes and the vessels' cargoes have not been independently verified.

According to the Russian military, drones struck one cargo ship bound for Chornomorsk overnight and another vessel traveling toward Odesa during the day. Both ports are located along Ukraine's southern Black Sea coastline and serve as major commercial and logistical gateways. Russian officials did not identify either vessel, disclose its nationality or provide confirmed information about casualties, damage or whether either ship remained operational.

The ministry also claimed Russian forces struck a logistics center, distribution center and cargo terminal in Kharkiv, alleging that the facilities were used to store and distribute dual-use supplies for Ukraine's armed forces. Dual-use goods can serve both civilian and military purposes, making the nature of the cargo relevant to any assessment of the strikes. The Russian military did not provide independently verifiable evidence establishing what was stored at the locations or aboard the vessels.

Growing Threats to Black Sea Shipping

The latest claims come amid a series of attacks affecting commercial shipping near Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. Earlier this month, multiple vessels were struck by drones while operating in or near maritime routes serving Ukrainian ports, leaving sailors dead or missing and prompting renewed concerns about the safety of international shipping. Several incidents occurred near NATO member states, raising questions about the potential consequences of attacks spreading beyond Ukrainian territorial waters.

On October 20, NATO announced plans to deploy additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the Black Sea following the attacks. The alliance also said intelligence and forensic personnel would support investigations into the incidents, although NATO had not formally attributed responsibility for those attacks. The measures are intended to improve surveillance and threat detection rather than establish a dedicated military escort operation for commercial vessels.

The ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk remain essential to Ukraine's maritime trade, particularly the export of grain and other agricultural products. Disruptions to these routes can affect Ukrainian export revenues, maritime insurance costs and the willingness of shipping companies to operate in the region. Repeated attacks have increased risks for civilian crews while complicating efforts to maintain reliable access to Black Sea markets.

Russia has previously accused Ukraine of using commercial shipping and port infrastructure to transport military equipment, while Ukrainian authorities have condemned attacks on civilian vessels and export facilities. Such competing claims require independent examination, particularly when the military status of a vessel or cargo is disputed. A ship's destination alone does not establish that it constitutes a legitimate military target.

As of Sunday, there was no independently confirmed assessment identifying the two vessels allegedly struck in the latest attacks or establishing the extent of any damage. Ukrainian authorities had not provided a verified account corroborating Moscow's claims in the reporting available for this article. The circumstances surrounding the reported strikes remain unclear.