Russian forces attack same civilian vessel for third time in Odesa region

On Tuesday, July 28, Russian forces attacked for the third time a Liberian-flagged civilian vessel in the Odesa region.

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) reported this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

"Today, Russia attacked for the third time a Liberian-flagged civilian vessel that was anchored at a roadstead near the approaches to the port of Odesa," the statement said.

According to the USPA, the vessel was empty and had no crew on board at the time of the attack. Smoke was reported in the area of the wheelhouse following the strike.

"Repeated strikes on the same civilian vessel once again demonstrate the nature of Russian attacks: it is not only port infrastructure or cargo that is being targeted, but the civilian merchant fleet itself," the USPA said.