russian forces have continued to strike civilian vessels docked at Ukrainian ports, marking the fourth such attack since October 5, 2024. The strikes appear to be part of a broader russian campaign aimed at crippling Ukraine’s grain corridor, undermining international support, and pressuring Ukraine into premature negotiations, ISW reports.
On October 14, russian forces hit the port of Odesa with a ballistic missile, damaging two civilian vessels – the NS Moon, flying the Belize flag, and the Optima, a dry cargo vessel flying the Palau flag. The attack also struck key port infrastructure, including a grain warehouse. This marks the second time the Optima vessel has been targeted, having already sustained damage during russian strike on October 7.
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Analysts assess that these strikes are a deliberate effort to challenge Ukraine’s ability to secure international trade routes, influence ongoing Western discussions about supporting Ukraine, and diminish Ukraine’s economic capacity during the ongoing war.
Read more: What a Neptune Missile Does to a russian Ferry: Satellite Images From Port Kavkaz
