Russian military forces struck seven dry cargo ships delivering supplies for the Ukrainian armed forces at Nikolayev port and in transit across the Black Sea, using Geran-4 Seeker kamikaze drones, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on August 4.
The Russian ministry said the vessels were targeted while delivering military cargo at the Nikolayev port facility and during sea transit in the Black Sea operational zone. The strikes reportedly damaged port infrastructure and transshipment complexes used for the delivery and storage of military cargo.
Additionally, Russian forces struck fuel and lubricant reservoirs at the port intended for supply to Ukrainian forces, according to the Russian statement. The claims have not been independently verified by Ukrainian authorities.
The attacks represent a continuation of Russia’s sustained campaign against Ukrainian Black Sea logistics. Over recent weeks, Moscow has intensified strikes on port infrastructure along Ukraine’s southern coast, targeting both military and commercial shipping in an effort to disrupt supply lines.
Time magazine recently reported that Russia’s strategy of attacking Black Sea ports is aimed at choking Ukraine’s economy and boosting Moscow’s leverage by inflicting pain on major grain importers in Africa and Asia. The campaign has drawn international concern over global food security.
Ukraine has maintained a naval presence in the Black Sea despite Russia’s blockade efforts, using maritime drones and Western-supplied anti-ship missiles to challenge Russian control of sea lanes. The conflict in the Black Sea has become one of the most active theaters of the war.
Sources: Pravda EN, TIME, GlobalSecurity.org
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