Russia attacks two more vessels off Ukraine's coast

Andrii Muravskyi - 12 January, 19:10

A Shahed-type loitering munition. Stock photo: Getty Images

A Russian drone has struck a Panama-flagged tanker waiting to enter a Ukrainian port, injuring a crew member.

Source: Ukraine's Ministry for Communities and Territorial Development

Quote: "An enemy UAV has struck a Panama-flagged tanker waiting to enter the port to load vegetable oil.

Sadly, one crew member has been injured. He is currently receiving the necessary treatment. Maritime rescue services are already on site, extinguishing the ensuing fire on board.

A San Marino-flagged ship leaving the port with a cargo of maize has also been attacked. Fortunately, there were no casualties and the vessel continues on its course.

This is further proof that Russia is deliberately attacking civilian ships, international trade and maritime safety. Despite constant terror from the aggressor, Ukraine continues to operate its ports and fulfil its international obligations."

Details: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, clarified that the Panama-flagged vessel was in the waiting area, bound for the port of Chornomorsk to load oil. A Russian drone struck the vessel's superstructure, but no fire broke out.

"The enemy's second strike was on a dry cargo ship flying the San Marino flag as it was leaving the waiting area. The fire was quickly contained. Fortunately, no one was injured," he said.

Background:

On 9 January, a Russian attack drone hit a civilian vessel heading to a Ukrainian port to load grain. Near Odesa, another ship carrying soybeans was damaged and a Syrian citizen was killed.
On 30 December, Russian attack drones attacked the vessels Emmakris III and Captain Karam, which were entering the port to load wheat.
On 23 December, a civilian vessel flying the Lebanese flag and carrying Ukrainian soybeans was damaged in Odesa port due to a nighttime Russian attack.
It was previously reported that a Russian attack on the dry cargo vessel CENK M, flying the Turkish flag, has influenced some shipowners' decisions on calling at Ukrainian ports. Whereas they previously entered without arranging separate war-risk insurance, the situation has now changed.
The intensity of Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure surged in 2025. Ukraine recorded 36 strikes on ports in 2024, rising sharply to 96 in 2025. Last year, 325 port facilities were damaged in the assaults.

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