Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a series of drone strikes targeting five cargo vessels operating in the Sea of Azov and along Russia-controlled coastal areas. According to Kyiv, the ships were allegedly involved in the unlawful transportation of Ukrainian grain and other goods.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, said the overnight operation targeted five vessels near the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk in Russian-controlled territory. He alleged that the ships included cargo carriers and fuel tankers used to transport military equipment, fuel supplies and Ukrainian grain.
Brovdi further claimed that some of the vessels had removed identifying markings and switched off their radar and tracking systems in an effort to avoid detection.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that five Azerbaijani nationals aboard two of the affected vessels were killed in the incident. The ministry did not attribute responsibility for the deaths to any specific party and noted that the damaged ships were not owned by Azerbaijani companies.
Separately, Ukraine confirmed that one of its naval drones exploded near the Romanian coast. No casualties or significant damage were reported as a result of the incident.
The developments come at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to advance prospects for ending the war. The incident also occurred as Putin was preparing to attend a major economic forum in St. Petersburg.
Source: International media reports.