In recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine has initiated a criminal investigation into military officers who organized a ceremony near the front line in Zaporizhzhia. The ceremony, held to honor troops, was hit by a Russian missile strike, resulting in the death of 19 soldiers. The event was criticized for being easily spotted by Russian reconnaissance drones.
In a separate incident, Ukraine launched 15 cruise missiles on Russia's shipyard in the Crimean port city of Kerch, damaging one ship. According to the Russian defence ministry, thirteen of the missiles were destroyed in the air, while one hit a ship. Ukraine's top Air Force commander stated that the Russian Navy stationed one of its most modern ships, a carrier of the Kalibr cruise missile, in the area.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has commented on Kyiv's increased ability to strike warships and diminish Russian surveillance options in the Black Sea. He believes these capabilities have undermined Russia's war efforts and helped Ukraine to secure a shipping route to export its grain.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have launched an attack on Ukraine's port city of Odesa, using missiles and drones. The attack, which originated from the occupied region of Crimea, resulted in injuries to at least eight people, destruction of grain, and damage to the Odesa Fine Arts Museum. The Ukrainian air force reported that four missiles and 22 attack drones were used in the attack. Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak has vowed retribution for the attack.
Odesa, Ukraine's main grain port, has been a target since Moscow withdrew from a deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of Crimea, said there were no casualties in the Saturday attack on the shipyard in Kerch in Crimea.