Russian Missile Strike Hits Odesa Port, Kills Two

A Russian Iskander ballistic missile struck Ukraine’s Odesa port region on July 3, resulting in two deaths and six injuries, according to official reports.

The strike occurred in the afternoon as dockworkers were unloading metal cargo from a ship registered under São Tomé and Príncipe. The blast claimed the lives of a truck driver and a dockworker. Among the injured were port personnel and two Syrian nationals who were part of the ship’s crew.

Damage to Port and Infrastructure

The missile caused significant destruction within the port facility, damaging vital infrastructure including gantry cranes, storage warehouses, and other operational equipment. Images shared on social media showed debris from damaged trucks and scattered containers throughout the site.

Broader Implications and Official Response

Ukrainian authorities condemned the missile strike as part of an ongoing effort by Russia to cripple the country’s export capabilities. Officials warned that these deliberate attacks on logistics and shipping hubs are intended to isolate Ukraine from global trade routes and disrupt food supply chains worldwide.

“This is more than just a strike on a port—it’s an attack on international stability and food security,” Ukrainian officials said, calling for urgent international intervention to halt these targeted assaults on critical infrastructure.