Russian strike on ship near Odesa kills 10, Ukraine hits Moscow with drones

Military operations between Russia and Ukraine have intensified significantly, with both sides conducting major strikes against each other's territory. A Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel carrying corn near the southern port city of Odesa resulted in at least 10 deaths, according to Ukraine's seaports authority. The ship's crew included members from India and Syria, with eight crew members rescued following the strike.

The attack on Odesa represents part of a broader pattern of Russian strikes in the region. Regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that 28 people have been killed in Odesa during July alone, with the region experiencing constant daily shelling and multiple air raid alerts. Russia's Defence Ministry stated that its forces targeted fuel reservoirs at Odesa's port.

In response, Ukraine conducted an extensive drone campaign against Moscow and surrounding areas overnight. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that more than 400 drones were launched at the Moscow region, with most intercepted by Russian air defence systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes targeted Russian logistics facilities and an oil depot located over 400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

The Moscow region governor reported 10 people wounded, including a child and three Chinese citizens, with damage recorded in several districts. Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, evacuated its logistics centre in Podolsk as a precaution, though operations later resumed. The escalation follows Russia's increased use of ballistic missiles, which Ukraine has struggled to counter due to shortages of Patriot interceptor munitions.