Moscow
Three Ukrainian brothers, including an eight-year-old child, were killed near the eastern front line in renewed violence linked to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said on Friday. The attack, which occurred in the Donetsk region, also left their mother and grandmother injured, according to local prosecutors. Two of the brothers were 19 years old.
In a separate assault, a Russian drone strike targeted one of Ukraine’s critical Black Sea ports near Odesa, killing one person and injuring six others. The ports in and around Odesa are vital maritime export hubs, forming the backbone of Ukraine’s foreign trade and sustaining its wartime economy. Despite repeated attacks, these ports have continued to function, underscoring their strategic importance.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said Russia launched massive strikes on port and railway infrastructure, highlighting the scale of the latest offensive. He reported damage to business facilities, fertilizer warehouses, and vehicles, including freight wagons. The attack also sparked a fire, adding to the destruction of essential infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority did not disclose the exact port targeted, stating only that it was one of the three major facilities around Odesa. Despite the damage, operations continued, reflecting Ukraine’s efforts to maintain export flows under constant threat.
Moscow has recently intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy and port infrastructure, aiming to weaken the country’s economy and logistics network. At the same time, Kyiv has responded by targeting Russian oil facilities, escalating the tit-for-tat attacks. These developments come as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end remain stalled, prolonging uncertainty and hardship for civilians.
