Russia says its forces have damaged a container ship in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, near Odesa, amid a growing campaign against maritime transport and port infrastructure in the Black Sea.

The Russian Defence Ministry said its armed forces had continued using drones to attack Ukrainian ports and vessels allegedly operating in support of the Ukrainian military. According to Moscow, the container ship had delivered cargo intended for Ukraine’s armed forces.

Russia did not identify the vessel, its operator or its flag. It also provided no information about casualties or the extent of the reported damage. Ukraine had not confirmed the incident at the time of reporting, and Moscow’s account could not be independently verified.

The alleged attack comes as commercial shipping in the Black Sea faces mounting danger. Chornomorsk is one of Ukraine’s most important deepwater ports and plays a central role in the country’s exports, particularly agricultural products.

Several civilian vessels have reportedly been attacked in the region in recent months. In July, Russian forces struck a Togo-flagged ship carrying mineral fertilisers while it was moored in the Odesa region. Three other commercial vessels sailing under the flags of the Marshall Islands, Tanzania and Liberia were reportedly hit the following day.

One of the deadliest incidents involved the Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship transporting corn from Chornomorsk. Ten people were killed when the vessel was struck near Odesa in July. The severely damaged ship sank approximately one week later.

The repeated attacks have had serious consequences for Ukrainian trade. Shipowners have become increasingly reluctant to send vessels to Ukrainian ports because of the danger to crews and ships. As a result, maritime grain exports have fallen sharply.

Ukraine’s Agribusiness Club, known as UKAB, has called on the government to consider restoring state-backed guarantees covering damage sustained by vessels operating in the war zone. Such a mechanism could reduce some of the financial risk faced by shipping companies and insurers.

The latest Russian claim highlights the growing militarisation of the Black Sea and the increasing vulnerability of commercial maritime traffic. If the strike is confirmed, it could further discourage international shipping companies from entering Ukrainian ports, increasing transport costs and placing additional pressure on Ukraine’s wartime economy and global agricultural supply chains.