Russian drone strikes target three commercial vessels near Odessa

On May 18, 2026, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drones targeted three commercial vessels in the Black Sea near the Odessa region. The vessels involved were a Panama-flagged ship heading to Chornomorsk, a Marshall Islands-flagged ship of Chinese ownership heading to the Pivdennyi port, and a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel. Reports indicate that all three ships sustained minor material damage and small fires, which were successfully extinguished by their respective crews. No casualties were reported among any of the ship crews. The Chinese-owned ship was reportedly empty at the time of the attack and was en route to load iron ore concentrate. All vessels were able to continue their operations or maintain their courses following the incidents. Local governor Oleh Kiper and the Ukrainian Navy confirmed the details of these strikes in the Black Sea.