Russian forces launched a massive overnight attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa, killing three people, according to regional governor Oleh Kiper. The strike marked the fifth consecutive day of attacks on the region.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it deliberately targeted port infrastructure used for unloading petroleum and lubricants. Kiper accused Russia of intentionally striking civilian areas, including a multi-story residential building, a non-residential building, and a gas pipeline.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for her 11th visit since the 2022 invasion, pledging new initiatives to boost cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense industries. She described the visit as a "special moment."

Ukraine also reported hitting 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea overnight, following intensive attacks on Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. This has forced Russia, the world's top grain exporter, to restrict shipping in the Sea of Azov, which handles about a quarter of its grain exports.

Politically, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after less than a year in office. Parliament accepted her resignation, and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of state oil and gas firm Naftogaz, is expected to succeed her.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk