Chinese-Owned Vessel Struck by Russian Drone Near Odesa Region

Black Sea Attack

According to Главком: A Russian combat drone targeted the bulk carrier Ksl Deyang in waters off the coast of Odesa. The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, is owned by a Chinese company and manned by a Chinese crew. Another ship flagged by Guinea-Bissau was also hit. Both vessels were in the waiting zone and moving along Ukraine’s maritime corridor toward the ports of Greater Odesa when they came under attack.

The strikes ignited small fires on both ships, which were brought under control by the crews. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the sailors, and the vessels continued on their course to port. It has been confirmed that Russia used a Shahed-type drone to attack the Chinese commercial ship within Ukraine’s territorial waters. The situation is compounded by the fact that in the first months of 2026, Russia has increased drone strikes on port infrastructure more than tenfold compared to previous periods.

Ukraine’s Response

Air defense units made up of port workers who are military veterans are actively responding to threats, intercepting enemy drones over Ukrainian ports. These units operate under the command of the Ukrainian Air Force. As stated by the press service of the Ukrainian Navy,

“Russia is once again proving that its attacks pose a danger not only to Ukraine-now even its closest partners face risks when their ships enter the Black Sea.”

Oleh Kiper commented on the situation, noting:

“The impacts caused small fires on both ships, which were contained by the crews. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crews. The ships remain operational and have continued sailing toward the ports.”

This incident highlights the growing threat to international shipping in the Black Sea, as Russian actions now endanger not just Ukrainian vessels but also foreign ships transiting Ukrainian waters. With the sharp rise in attacks, the international community may need to reassess its security measures in the region and take additional steps to protect trade routes. Ukraine’s use of veteran-staffed air defense teams also underscores its adaptation to evolving security challenges.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the region, as evidenced by another recent attack where Ukrainian forces targeted Russian oil tankers in Novorossiysk. Such actions not only highlight the ongoing maritime conflict but also underscore the risks to international shipping routes in the Black Sea, which are increasingly under threat from military operations.