Russian strikes reported on Ukrainian Black Sea and Danube ports

On August 25 and 26, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a series of drone and missile strikes targeting critical Ukrainian maritime infrastructure. According to the official reports, the Russian military hit five cargo vessels and a tanker across the ports of Pivdennyi, Odesa, and Chornomorsk on August 25. The Russian ministry alleged that these vessels were transporting military supplies for Ukrainian forces. Additionally, strikes were reported at port facilities and a fuel storage site in Chornomorsk.

On August 26, the Russian defense ministry reported a subsequent strike on the port of Izmail, located on the Danube River near the Romanian border. The ministry claimed that a cargo ship carrying military materials was hit, alongside further damage to fuel tanks and port infrastructure. These developments follow a period of heightened tensions regarding maritime corridors. Reuters noted that it has not been able to independently verify the claims made by the Russian authorities. The status of ongoing repairs or potential casualties at the targeted sites remains unconfirmed by the sources provided.