Tensions are mounting in the Black Sea as Russia and Ukraine have intensified mutual attacks on each other's targets, threatening grain and oil exports from both nations.
The escalating strikes come just ahead of a crucial trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia scheduled for next week.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that Russian forces struck a dry cargo ship carrying military supplies in the Black Sea, around 52 kilometers southwest of Odesa in the early hours of the morning.
According to CNN reports on Tuesday, Russia has increased its strike intensity in the Black Sea in recent weeks. This follows months of continuous attacks by Ukraine on vessels entering and leaving Russian ports in the Black Sea and the adjacent Sea of Azov.
Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined Ukraine's priorities for the upcoming trilateral talks. He said that lifting the Black Sea blockade is among the top negotiation priorities for Kiev.
Russia, Ukraine escalate mutual strikes in Black Sea
