Two Vessels Attacked by Russian Missiles in Odessa Region

Two ships in Ukraine's Odessa region were hit by Russian missile strikes on October 6 and 7, resulting in one fatality, several injuries, and significant damage to the vessels and port infrastructure.

On October 6, a Russian airstrike targeted a grain ship docked at Pivdennyi Port in Odessa. The vessel, later identified as the Paresa and registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, had arrived just hours earlier, according to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba.

The ship was reportedly carrying approximately 6,000 tons of corn. Fortunately, none of the fifteen crew members onboard were harmed in the attack.

The following day, on October 7, another airstrike hit the Palau-flagged vessel Optima. Odessa Regional Governor Oleh Kipper confirmed the attack resulted in the death of a 60-year-old Ukrainian worker employed by a private cargo handling company.

Additionally, five crewmembers were injured—four of them sustaining moderate injuries, while one suffered minor injuries. All of the injured are currently receiving medical care.

Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of deliberately targeting grain vessels as part of a broader strategy to threaten food security and disrupt grain exports. This surge in attacks comes after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. However, Russia denies ever intentionally attacking civilian ships.