Russia says it struck cargo vessel carrying arms off Odessa

Russia's Defense Ministry said its strike aircraft hit a cargo ship carrying weapons and military equipment for Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea southeast of Odessa. In its daily briefing, the ministry said the vessel was transporting arms and military supplies, and that the strike was carried out as part of operations targeting ships and port infrastructure used by Ukraine's armed forces. Russia has intensified air strikes in recent days on the port of Odessa and Ukrainian infrastructure across the Black Sea, according to the ministry. The attacks have targeted production and storage facilities for unmanned surface vessels, patrol boat deployment sites, and cargo and oil tankers. The escalating strikes have increased risks for commercial shipping in the Black Sea, while military and civilian infrastructure at Ukrainian ports continues to sustain damage. The Defense Ministry said operations in the Black Sea would continue and that all elements providing military support to Ukraine would be targeted.