Ukraine says it has struck five ships in the Sea of Azov and in waters near Russian-occupied territories, claiming the vessels were carrying illegal cargo.
Ukraine’s drone forces commander said the ships were involved in stealing Ukrainian grain, as well as transporting military cargo and fuel. He said the vessels were operating near Mariupol, Berdyansk, and coastal areas controlled by Russia.
According to Kyiv, the ships had their names painted over and their radar systems turned off in an attempt to avoid detection.
Azerbaijan Reports Deaths After Ship Attacks
The strikes come as Azerbaijan said five of its citizens were killed in drone attacks on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said the vessels, named Natra and Zirkon, were attacked overnight in the Taganrog Bay area. The ministry did not say who was responsible and noted that the ships were not Azerbaijani-owned.
Russia blamed Ukraine for the attacks, but Kyiv has not immediately responded to that specific accusation.
It remains unclear whether Ukraine’s claimed strikes on five vessels are connected to the deaths reported by Azerbaijan.
Putin Prepares Major Address in St Petersburg
The developments come as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to speak at a major economic forum in St Petersburg.
His speech follows a renewed public call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for direct talks to end the war.
Zelensky sent an open letter to Putin, saying it would be wrong to simply wait for the war to regain the full attention of the United States. He argued that peace would only be possible through direct engagement between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky Calls for Direct Talks
Zelensky also called for a full ceasefire during any proposed negotiations. Putin rejected that idea earlier on Thursday.
The Kremlin confirmed that it had received Zelensky’s letter. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin would likely comment on it.
The European Union, France, and the United States have backed Zelensky’s call for a meeting. US President Donald Trump said the two leaders should meet and make compromises.
Putin said he was willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine, but also questioned whether Zelensky could legally represent Ukraine, repeating Moscow’s claim that no presidential election has been held since Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Peace Talks Remain Stalled
Russia’s long-standing position is that Ukraine must withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, four regions that are largely occupied by Russian forces. Moscow also wants Kyiv to abandon its goal of joining NATO.
Ukraine has rejected giving up territory, saying such a move would only encourage Russia to attack again in the future.
Previous ceasefire and peace talks in Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul have failed to produce a breakthrough.
Russian Strikes Kill Civilians in Ukraine
Inside Ukraine, officials said at least 13 people were killed and more than 70 others injured over the past day.
Four people died after Russian drones struck a dairy factory near Kyiv. Deaths and injuries were also reported in Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, and Dnipro regions.
Zelensky said Russian attacks hit food warehouses, a postal facility, a school, and other civilian sites.
Ukraine Confirms Drone Blast Near Romania
Ukraine also confirmed that one of its naval drones exploded off Romania’s Black Sea coast near the port of Constanta.
Romania’s defence ministry said the drone self-detonated near an oil terminal. No injuries were reported, but officials said the blast damaged a ship and nearby warehouses.
Ukraine said the drone had been knocked off course by Russian electronic interference. Moscow has not immediately responded to that claim.
Romanian officials said the drone was part of a group of five. One other drone reportedly exploded in Ukraine, while three others remain unaccounted for. Authorities said there was no further risk.
Romania Faces Growing Security Concerns
The blast near Constanta follows several recent security incidents in Romania. President Nicusor Dan said it was the second major incident of the week after a stray mine was found on a beach near Vama Veche.
It also came a week after two people were injured when a drone hit an apartment block in Galati, a Romanian city near the Ukrainian border.
Romanian officials said that drone was Russian, though Moscow denied involvement and called the accusation unproven.
War Tensions Continue to Spread
Ukraine’s strikes on cargo ships, the drone incident near Romania, and Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities show how the war is spreading pressure across the Black Sea region.
As Putin prepares his major speech and Zelensky pushes for direct talks, the conflict remains locked between military escalation and stalled diplomacy.