Russian strikes intensify on Odesa and Chornomorsk ports
Photo: Port of Chornomorsk (SEseaportChornomorsk)
In 2026, the intensity of Russian attacks on the port infrastructure of Odesa and Chornomorsk has increased, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba.
According to him, about 150 attacks were recorded in 2025, while this year the number has already exceeded 180. The enemy is using massive strikes and increasing the number of drones.
“We are strengthening defenses: increasing the number of mobile fire groups, reinforcing interceptor drone crews, boosting electronic warfare capabilities, and improving coordination with the military,” the minister said.
Kuleba added that the effectiveness of shooting down enemy drones has already increased by 25–35%.
Attacks on ports in the Odesa region
Russia has been systematically striking ports in the Odesa region.
On the night of March 20, one of the region’s ports was hit by drones: two civilian commercial vessels flying the flags of Palau and Barbados were damaged, and port infrastructure was partially destroyed. Fires broke out as a result of the strike.
Earlier, the southern parts of the Odesa region also came under attack. Port infrastructure was damaged, and fires erupted following shelling.
On March 4, a Russian drone struck a foreign vessel as it was leaving the port of Chornomorsk. Crew members were injured in the attack.
Even earlier, strikes on port infrastructure killed a 20-year-old woman and a man aged around 45.
Three people aged 23 to 45 were injured, two of them in serious condition.
