Six people were killed in Ukraine after overnight Russian strikes on the Black Sea port of Odesa and the eastern city of Sumy, local officials reported. The attacks included drone and missile strikes on Odesa and a guided aerial bomb assault on Sumy, which left three dead and 17 injured.
Russian strikes target civilian and port infrastructure
Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper stated the attack marked the fifth consecutive day of strikes on the region, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians. A missile struck a multi-storey residential building, killing and injuring residents, while a non-residential building and a gas pipeline were also hit.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the Odesa strike, claiming it targeted port infrastructure used for petroleum and lubricant unloading. It also asserted that other sites were linked to military hardware production and cargo transport.
Ukraine hits 20 Russian vessels in Black Sea
Ukraine’s military reported its drones struck 20 Russian vessels overnight, including 17 oil tankers. The attacks follow recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian ships in the Sea of Azov, forcing Russia to restrict shipping in the area—a route handling about a quarter of its grain exports, per Reuters.
Political shifts in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict
Ukraine’s parliament approved Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko’s resignation on Tuesday, less than a year after her appointment. Serhiy Koretskyi, head of state oil firm Naftogaz, is a likely successor, with a vote scheduled for Thursday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss defense industry cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.
