Ukrainian port city endures heaviest attack since war began

The port city of Chornomorsk in southern Ukraine suffered damage after a large-scale attack that Russia described as targeting "military infrastructure".

Chornomorsk, one of three Ukrainian port cities operating a Black Sea-Mediterranean shipping route, experienced its most intense attack since the war began in early 2022, Mayor Vasily Gulyayev said today. The city is located in the southern Odesa region.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private power company, reported that Russian UAVs attacked 4 energy facilities in the Odesa region overnight, leaving more than 29,000 people without power.

Explosions in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, on the night of 30/8. Video: X/DD_Geopolitics

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper stated that several administrative buildings and civilian structures in Chornomorsk were damaged in the attack. "Essential infrastructure is running on generators. One person was also injured," he added.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that Russia used 142 Geran UAVs and decoy aircraft in the overnight attack from 30/8 to 31/8. "Air defense units shot down or jammed 126 various UAVs. The remaining 16 aircraft hit 10 locations, while debris fell in 6 areas," the command said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the same day that it had carried out an attack on "port infrastructure serving the interests of the Ukrainian military and the NASAMS air defense systems protecting them," but did not specify the location of the attack.

Firefighters tackle a blaze after a Russian attack in the Odesa region of Ukraine, early morning 31/8. Photo: X/Tim White

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to "continue active operations as needed" to defend the country. "Forces and resources have been prepared. New strikes deep into enemy territory have been planned," he stated.

Russia and Ukraine have continued daily attacks on each other's territory, despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to push for a ceasefire. On 28/8, he expressed displeasure at Russia's launch of more than 600 missiles and UAVs at 13 locations in Ukraine, which killed at least 23 people in the capital, Kyiv.

On 21/8, President Trump set a two-week timeframe to assess the prospects for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, warning that the US could "choose a different approach".

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, TASS)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/thanh-pho-cang-ukraine-hung-don-tap-kich-du-doi-chua-tung-thay-4933811.html