Ukraine–Russia

Black Sea off Odesa: Russia's Defence Ministry claims a drone strike hit a dry cargo ship 30 km east of Odesa port overnight into 18 October

ATTACK
Location
About 30 km east of Odesa port, Black Sea (Russian MoD range only; estimated)
Actors
Russia
Importance
Standard

Russia's Defence Ministry said on 18 October 2026 that its group drone strikes overnight hit, at sea 30 kilometres east of the port of Odesa, a dry cargo ship that it said was delivering military and dual-use cargo. The ministry did not name the vessel or its flag. No Ukrainian, UKMTO or independent confirmation of a ship being hit was read.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Group UAV strikes on Ukrainian logistics centres and ports: Nova Poshta logistics centre in Rivne and a dry cargo ship 30 km east of Odesa port hit

Russian Defence Ministry claim only; vessel unnamed; no Ukrainian, maritime-authority or independent confirmation read.