Russian forces reportedly struck a dry cargo ship 18 km south of Odessa that was transporting military supplies for the Ukrainian army, according to a statement by Russia’s Defence Ministry, as reported by TASS on Saturday, July 17, 2014.
The vessel, described by the Defence Ministry as a “dry container ship,” was en route to deliver supplies needed by the Ukrainian army when it was hit by Russian fire. The strike occurred in the Black Sea, 18 km south of the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.
TASS quoted the Russian Defence Ministry saying the attack was successful and the ship was heavily damaged. The ministry confirmed that the ship was carrying military cargo intended for Ukraine.
There is no additional verification from independent sources; the only outlet reporting the incident is TASS, which cites the Russian Defence Ministry’s statement. No other international or Ukrainian media have reported on the strike as of the date of the article.
This event adds to the growing list of maritime confrontations observed in the Black Sea region, where Russian and Ukrainian forces have intermittently engaged in hostile actions. The Russian Defence Ministry has not released further details on the outcome of the strike or any casualties.
