Russian Strike Damages Turkish-Owned Ship in Odesa During Ballistic Missile Threat

In Odesa, a ship that reportedly belongs to a Turkish company, caught fire after a series of Russian strikes during the air raid alert.

This was reported by Suspilne on December 12, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the outlet, the incident took place during an air raid alert that lasted from 3:21 p.m. to 4:22 p.m. During this period, at least four explosions were heard in Odesa.

The Air Forces had warned about a ballistic missile threat from the south, followed by reports of two high-speed targets approaching Chornomorsk.

Initial reports indicate one person was injured, Suspilne reported. There have been no signs of chemical leaks or air contamination.

It is also reported that the ship belongs to a Turkish company.

UPD: Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, clarified that Russia had carried out a missile strike on civilian port infrastructure in the Odesa region. According to him, Russia used drones and ballistic missiles to attack two ports.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Türkiye, Naryman Dzhelialov, stated on X that “Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking in Turkmenistan, urges Putin to stop strikes on energy facilities and ports as a step toward de-escalation—meanwhile, a Russian Iskander missile hits the Turkish ferry CENK T in the port of Odesa.”

“The vessel belongs to Cenk Shipping Group, one of Turkey’s largest logistics companies.
Its founder and owner is Yusuf Attila Yener. The company opened a Türkiye–Ukraine ferry route, supporting trade and civilian logistics,” Dzhelialov wrote. “Earlier, Russian drones had already attacked a Turkish vessel in the port of Izmail. Another clear example of the Russian side’s hypocrisy and deceit: speaking of peace while carrying out real strikes on civilian shipping.”

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Earlier, Russian forces carried out a targeted attack on civilian infrastructure in Shostka, Sumy region, deploying strike drones. The target was a sports school where children were training at the time.

Oleg Hryhorov, Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, confirmed on December 12 that the attack was intentional, with two drones aimed directly at the facility where children were present.

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