RUSSIAN FORCES STRIKE ODESSA PORT, INJURIES AND FATALITIES REPORTED

Russian forces have launched a missile strike targeting one of the ports in the Odessa region, hitting a civilian vessel flying the Liberian flag, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Southern Operational Command.

"The missile struck the Liberian-flagged civilian ship as it was entering the port. Three crew members, all citizens of the Philippines, were injured, with one requiring hospitalization. The pilot has died, and another port worker was also injured," the command reported.

The Ukrainian armed forces assert that the Russian troops attacked the port with X-31P anti-radar missiles launched from tactical aircraft in the Black Sea.

The command has released photographs of the aftermath of the strike. The Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to respond to the incident.