Image for representation purposes only Two foreign cargo ships sailing through Ukraine’s maritime corridor in the Black Sea were damaged in a Russian drone attack, according to Ukrainian officials. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, said Russian strike drones targeted the vessels, which were sailing under the flags of Barbados and Panama while using the maritime corridor. Kiper said Russia also launched a series of drone attacks on southern parts of the Odesa region. Civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were reportedly hit. No casualties were reported, and emergency services were working at the affected sites. Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territories Development said the Panama-flagged vessel was heading to a port in the Odesa region to load metal products when it was attacked. A fire broke out on board but was quickly extinguished by the crew. The ministry said the Barbados-flagged vessel, which was carrying wheat, was also damaged in the attack. According to Ukrainian authorities, both ships remained seaworthy and continued their voyages after the incident. The Ukrainian Ports Authority said the vessels were operating within Ukraine’s Black Sea navigation corridor. One ship was travelling to Odesa, while the grain-carrying vessel had already departed the port. The corridor was established by Ukrainian authorities to allow commercial vessels to transit through the Black Sea and connect with Romanian ports on the Danube River. Kiper said Russia was attempting to disrupt the operation of the maritime corridor. Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territories Development said the attacks on civilian vessels showed continued risks to maritime logistics. Despite the attack, Ukrainian officials said the maritime corridor remains operational and continues to support exports, including grain shipments that contribute to global food supplies. Russia’s Defence Ministry did not immediately comment on the reported attack. Refer