Russia says it struck two ships bound for Odesa port
Ukraine has not confirmed the claim, which follows a similar Russian report of a strike on a vessel near Chornomorsk on Friday.
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Map: The Black Sea, marking Odesa, Chornomorsk
Russia said it hit two ships heading to Odesa, the latest in a string of claimed strikes on vessels bound for Ukrainian ports. Ukraine has not confirmed the claim.
On Friday, Russia said it struck a dry cargo ship at the Port of Chornomorsk. Ukraine has not confirmed that claim either.
Three terminals holding a fifth of Russia's Black Sea and Azov grain infrastructure remain badly damaged, though industry data show Russia could reopen 80% of its Black Sea grain ports quickly. The Kremlin has said Ukraine must face consequences for recent strikes on Russian refineries, and Putin has said Russia is ready to resume talks with Kyiv after Ukraine's elections, while accusing Kyiv of striking Moscow and polling stations. US and Russian envoys have separately been discussing a possible halt to strikes on energy sites.
Continued strikes on Black Sea shipping infrastructure show Russia using grain and energy logistics as leverage in any negotiation. That tightens pressure on Ukraine's ability to generate export revenue and complicates the diplomatic opening that Trump administration envoys are pursuing with Russian officials, making a near-term settlement harder to reach.