Russia Launches Drone Attack on Ukrainian Region

Russia conducted a drone attack on the southern parts of the Odesa region, targeting the infrastructure of a Danube River port and causing injuries to at least two individuals, according to officials in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s Air Defense Systems Intercept Majority of Drones

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that they successfully shot down 22 out of the 25 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday in Odesa.

Civilian Casualties and Impact on Grain Exports

The South Military Command of Ukraine stated on social media that the attack caused injuries to two civilians and specifically targeted the “civil infrastructure of the Danube.” The Danube River has become a vital route for Ukraine’s grain exports since a U.N.-brokered deal allowing Kyiv to ship its grain via the Black Sea collapsed in July.

Port Facility Hit and Swift Response

Although the military did not disclose the exact port facility that was targeted, they confirmed that a fire ignited by the attack was promptly extinguished. Some Ukrainian media outlets suggested that the Reni port, one of the key ports on the Danube operated by Ukraine, experienced the blasts. Russia has not yet provided any comment on the incident. However, it is important to note that Reuters has not been able to independently verify these reports.