Russian attack drones struck what Moscow described as a Ukrainian facility involved in producing and storing components for uncrewed boats, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
The ministry said the targeted infrastructure was being used to support Ukrainian attacks against Russian coastal cities, vessels and infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Strike Reported Near Odesa
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strike occurred in Belgorod-Dnestrovsky, a settlement located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Odesa.
Russian officials said attack drones hit both a production facility and a storage depot at the site.
The claims have not been independently verified.
Moscow Says Warheads Were Stored at the Site
Russia’s Defense Ministry alleged that the facility contained warheads and other components intended for Ukrainian uncrewed boats.
Moscow said those systems have been used against ships and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, as well as against Russian cities along the Black Sea coast.
The ministry did not provide details about the extent of the damage or whether personnel were killed or injured in the reported strike.
Uncrewed Boats Become Increasingly Important
Uncrewed maritime vessels have become an important part of the conflict in and around the Black Sea, allowing Ukraine to conduct attacks against targets at considerable distances from its coastline.
Their use has added another dimension to the fighting, alongside missiles, aircraft and aerial drones.
Russia has repeatedly targeted facilities that it says are connected to Ukraine’s production, storage and deployment of these systems.
Russia Continues Long-Range Drone Operations
The reported attack forms part of Russia’s broader campaign of long-range strikes against Ukrainian military-related infrastructure.
Moscow says such operations are intended to disrupt Ukraine’s ability to manufacture and deploy weapons used against Russian forces and infrastructure.
Ukraine has not been quoted in the report as confirming the strike or the Russian description of the facility.
Black Sea Remains a Key Battlefield
The Black Sea has remained strategically important throughout the conflict, with both countries seeking to protect their military and energy infrastructure while attempting to disrupt their opponent’s operations.
The reported strike near Odesa underscores the continuing effort by Russian forces to target Ukraine’s maritime warfare capabilities.
For now, the extent of the reported damage at the Belgorod-Dnestrovsky facility remains unclear.
