Russian attacks struck several Ukrainian regions on Friday, killing at least four people and damaging port infrastructure. The latest assaults came as protests continued over Ukraine’s recent defence leadership shake-up.
Local authorities said Russian drones targeted the southern city of Mykolaiv, damaging three foreign-registered vessels. Prosecutors reported that two Ukrainians aboard one of the ships were killed in the attack.
Deadly Strikes Target Ports and Coastal Cities
Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in Kherson killed a woman and injured six others, officials said. Another attack in Odesa, Ukraine’s largest seaport, killed one man.
Local officials accused Russia of continuing attacks against civilian areas. They said the strikes further intensified pressure on Ukraine’s critical Black Sea infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces struck 24 vessels allegedly used by the Ukrainian military during the past week. However, Ukraine also reported launching retaliatory operations in the Black Sea.
According to Ukraine’s drone forces commander Robert Brovdi, Ukrainian forces struck 12 Russian vessels on Friday. The military also said it targeted a Russian oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region.
Protests Continue Over Defence Leadership Changes
The latest attacks coincided with a second day of protests against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s cabinet reshuffle. Demonstrators opposed the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his position.
Fedorov, who led military modernization efforts, reportedly criticized military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi after leaving office. He also questioned Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia under the current military leadership.
The cabinet changes have exposed growing divisions within Ukraine’s defence establishment. Meanwhile, fighting continues as both countries intensify missile and drone attacks across the Black Sea region.
