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Ukraine strikes vessels in Sea of Azov
Ukrainian forces announced they hit five ships overnight in the Sea of Azov and coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories, accusing the vessels of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain and military supplies.
Drone commander details attacks
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces, stated the targeted ships-including cargo vessels and tankers-had their names painted over and radars disabled to evade detection. He claimed the vessels were involved in "stealing Ukrainian grain" and moving "military cargo and fuel." No casualties were mentioned in Brovdi's statement.
Azerbaijani deaths raise questions
Azerbaijan's foreign ministry reported five of its citizens died in drone attacks on two cargo ships, the Natra and Zirkon, in Taganrog Bay. The ministry did not assign blame, noting the ships were not Azerbaijani-flagged. Russia accused Ukraine of the strikes, though Kyiv has not responded to the claim.
Zelensky proposes direct talks with Putin
The strikes coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's renewed call for face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an open letter, Zelensky urged a full ceasefire during talks, a proposal Putin dismissed earlier. The Kremlin confirmed receiving the letter but deferred comment until Friday.
"Whether Mr. Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine is a question for lawyers," Putin told foreign journalists in St. Petersburg, repeating Russia's stance that Zelensky's term expired in May 2024.
Vladimir Putin
Putin reiterated Russia's demands for Ukraine to withdraw from four occupied regions and abandon NATO aspirations. Ukraine has rejected territorial concessions, warning it would embolden further Russian aggression.
Civilian casualties mount in Ukraine
At least 13 people were killed and over 70 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine in the past 24 hours. A drone attack on a dairy factory near Kyiv killed four, while strikes in Kherson, Kharkiv, and other regions damaged food warehouses, a postal facility, and a school, according to local officials.
Ukrainian drone explodes off Romania
Romanian authorities confirmed a Ukrainian naval drone detonated near an oil terminal in the Black Sea port of Constanta, causing damage but no injuries. Ukraine attributed the incident to Russian electronic interference, which diverted the drone off course. Two other drones in the same group exploded in Ukrainian waters, while three remain unaccounted for.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan described the event as the second "significant security incident" this week, following the discovery of a stray mine on a nearby beach. Last week, a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Galați, injuring two.
