Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Russia Attacks Ukrainian Ports, Damages Ships
Russia attacked two ports in Ukraine's Odesa region on Friday, damaging three ships owned by a Turkish company.
One of the ships was carrying food supplies.
The attacks happened after Russia threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea because Ukraine has been attacking Russian ships that are thought to be carrying oil.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said the attacks show that Russia is not interested in peace talks and is trying to disrupt normal life in Ukraine.
One person was injured in the attacks.
Ukraine has also been attacking Russian oil facilities in the Caspian Sea to try to stop Russia from making money from its oil.
Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports in the Odesa region, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels, including one carrying food supplies.
The attacks occurred after Russia threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea in retaliation for Kyiv's attacks on unlicensed tankers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted photos of a large fire on a ship in the port of Chornomorsk, with firefighters tackling the blaze.
One employee of a private company was injured in a separate attack on Odesa port, and a cargo loader was damaged.
Ukraine's navy spokesperson confirmed that three vessels were damaged, all Turkish-owned, and Ukraine's navy was targeted with drones and ballistic missiles.
- Who
- Russian forces
- What
- Attack on Ukrainian ports, damaging Turkish-owned vessels and infrastructure
- When
- Friday, December 12
- Where
- Ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa, Odesa region, Ukraine
- Why
- Retaliation for Kyiv’s attacks on unlicensed tankers and to disrupt Ukrainian economic activity
Ukraine
Russia
Targeting of Vessels
Ukraine
Ukraine views the attacks as targeting civilian logistics and commercial shipping, aimed at disrupting normal life and economic activity.
Russia
Russia justifies the attacks as retaliation for Ukraine's maritime drone attacks on its 'shadow fleet' tankers, which it claims are used to export oil and fund the war.
Escalation in the Black Sea
Ukraine
Ukraine emphasizes the need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and ensure navigational safety in the Black Sea.
Russia
Russia has threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea in response to Kyiv's attacks on unlicensed tankers, indicating a willingness to escalate tensions.
- Location
- Ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa, Odesa region, Ukraine
- Vessel Name
- Cenk T
- Flag
- Panama (unconfirmed)
- Owner
- Turkish (Cenk Shipping)
- Attack Type
- Missile and drone
- Casualties
- One employee injured in Odesa port
- Targets
- Three Turkish-owned vessels, including one carrying food supplies
- Ukrainian Response
- Drones struck Russian oil rigs in the Caspian Sea
Sources
Vessel on fire after Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odesa region, sources say
Ukraine Claims To Hit 2 Russian Ships With Military Equipment In Caspian Sea
Russia attacks two Ukrainian ports, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels
Ukraine hits Russian oil infrastructure in Caspian for second time
‘Peace is not far away’ says Erdogan, returning from Putin meeting
Russia hits Odesa with major drone and missile attack, leaving over a million homes without power