Did Russian sea drones attack Odesa? Ukraine's Navy responds
Ukrainian Navy patrol in the Black Sea (photo: Getty Images)
Information about an alleged sea drone attack on the coast of Odesa that circulated in the media on June 17 is not true, according to the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Last evening, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were conducting planned measures to prepare for repelling possible enemy attacks using sea drones. These actions were aimed at increasing the readiness of forces and assets to respond to potential threats," the statement said.
It is emphasized that the threat from Russian forces remains.
The Naval Forces stressed that they continue working to ensure security and readiness to respond to any challenges.
Ukraine’s Navy denied reports that Odesa was “bombed by sea drones,” saying the claims were false. The Navy said it conducted planned training measures to prepare for possible enemy sea drone attacks and improve the readiness of forces and assets. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/3YG1ohKJFr
— NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) June 18, 2026
On June 10, Russian kamikaze drones attacked the southern districts of the Odesa region and the waters of the Black Sea. As a result of the strike, two civilian cargo vessels were damaged.
Also, on May 29, Russian forces struck a vessel that was traveling from one of the ports of the Odesa region to Türkiye. Crew members were injured in the attack.
In addition, on the night of May 18, the Russian forces attacked a Chinese merchant vessel that was in Ukraine's territorial waters.
At the end of April, a bulk carrier flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis came under attack while traveling through the maritime corridor to Odesa to load grain. As a result of the attack, a fire broke out on board, and the vessel's navigation equipment failed.
