Video posted on social media on 12/12 showed a Russian Geran-2 suicide drone flying low over the port of Chornomorsk in Odessa province, southern Ukraine, before a large explosion erupted at the bow of the Cenk T cargo ship anchored nearby.

Cenk Shipping, owner of the Cenk T, stated the vessel was hit around 4 p.m. on 12/12. There were no casualties, and damage was limited.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted photos on the same day showing a large fire erupting on a ship at Chornomorsk port, with firefighters working to extinguish it. "This once again proves that Russia not only does not take the current diplomatic opportunities seriously, but also continues the conflict to destroy normal life in Ukraine," he stated.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said Russia attacked with suicide drones and ballistic missiles. Another attack on a port in Odessa on the same day injured private company employees and damaged cargo handling equipment. "This attack targeted civilian logistics and commercial transport," he added.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian navy reported that a total of three ships were damaged, all owned by Turkey.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed damage at Chornomorsk port, but reported no information about its citizens being injured. "We reiterate the necessity of an agreement to prevent attacks on maritime safety, as well as the energy and port infrastructure of the parties, to avoid escalation in the Black Sea," the ministry stated.

Russian officials have not yet commented on the information.

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire on a cargo ship after an attack on Chornomorsk port on 12/12. Photo: Reuters

President Putin earlier this month stated that Russia could "cut off Ukraine's access to the sea" in retaliation for suicide boat attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea. He mentioned the possibility of Russia intensifying attacks on port infrastructure and ships calling at Ukrainian ports, adding that Moscow would consider retaliatory measures against ships from countries supporting Kiev in carrying out "piracy."

"This could just be the first response," commented Joshua Hutchinson, a former British naval special forces officer and current director of risk and intelligence at maritime security consultancy Ambrey.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters)