Russian Missile Strike Kills Two, Injures Six at Odesa Port

On July 3, a Russian Iskander missile struck the Odesa seaport, killing two people—a dock mechanic and a truck driver—and injuring six others, including two Syrian crew members from a foreign vessel. The missile hit a berth where metal was being unloaded from a ship flying the flag of São Tomé and Príncipe, damaging port infrastructure such as cranes, equipment, and warehouses. Ukrainian officials described the attack as part of Russia's ongoing campaign to cripple Ukraine’s transport hubs and export capabilities, which threatens global food security given that about 90% of Ukraine's exports pass through Odesa. Earlier in the day and overnight, Russian drone strikes targeted Odesa and the nearby city of Poltava, damaging civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, and causing additional casualties. Ukrainian authorities have called for a strong international response to these attacks on civilian infrastructure. Rescue operations continue as the effects of the missile and drone attacks are assessed.