Russia Conducts 'Retaliatory' Attack on Odesa Port in Ukraine

Ukraine reported that its forces intercepted Russian drones and cruise missiles targeting the Odesa port in the Black Sea on the morning of Tuesday, July 16. According to the Associated Press, Moscow described this attack as 'punishment' for the assault on the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. The bridge was damaged in an attack attributed to Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, July 15. The Southern Command of the Ukrainian Army stated that the Russians initially fired 25 explosive drones to wear down Ukraine's air defenses and then targeted Odesa with six 'Kalibr' cruise missiles. Ukrainian officials claim that all six missiles and the drones were shot down by air defense systems in the Odesa region and other southern areas of the country. They reported that debris from the missiles and their shockwaves caused damage to some port facilities and several residential buildings, injuring an elderly man in his home. The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated that its 'retaliatory attack' was conducted with precision weapons from the sea against military facilities in Ukraine near Odesa and Mykolaiv. The ministry claimed that Russia destroyed targets preparing 'terrorist attacks' against Russia. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, naval drones and a facility in a shipyard producing these drones were targeted. The ministry also stated that it attacked fuel depots in Ukraine near these two cities. The Associated Press noted that independent verification of claims from both countries has not been possible. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 through a referendum that was not recognized by the international community. The Kerch Bridge was also targeted in an attack in 2022 and required months of repairs. Ukrainian officials have not claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kerch Bridge. Zelensky: Black Sea grain exports will continue 'with Russia' or 'without Russia'. Erdogan expresses readiness to meet with Assad; an expert: 'difficult and unlikely'. Verification: Russia denies expanding military infrastructure towards Europe. Reactions to Russia's withdrawal from the Ukrainian grain export agreement; the U.S.: 'unjust'.