Russia strikes Ukraine’s second-largest port, damaging facilities overnight

Chornomorsk Commercial Sea Port, one of Ukraine’s largest ports, came under Russian fire during the night of November 25, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) reported on Facebook.

"Another night attack by the aggressor country was again directed at the port infrastructure of the Odesa region. The strike caused damage to the Chornomorsk port. All relevant services are working on site to quickly deal with the consequences. The USPA is maintaining control of the situation and continues to ensure stable port operations," the agency said.

Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba clarified that drone strikes damaged administrative buildings and equipment used in cargo handling.

In 2024, Chornomorsk became the second-largest port by cargo turnover among those located in government-controlled territory. It handled 26.04 million tonnes of cargo — second only to the port of Pivdennyi. Chornomorsk’s largest cargo share is grain exports, but it also handles ore and metallurgical products, large vehicles, liquid oil products, construction materials and containerized cargo.

Russia has attacked the port several times before. The previous strike occurred on October 9.

• On the night of November 25, Russia attacked Ukraine with Shahed-type drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as Kinzhal ("Dagger") missiles. Six people were killed and 14 injured in Kyiv. Overall, Russia launched 22 missiles and more than 460 drones, four of which crossed into Moldova and Romania.