Russia and Ukraine Exchange Massive Drone Strikes on Ports

Russia and Ukraine engaged in a massive exchange of drone and missile strikes between July 27 and July 28, 2026, primarily targeting maritime infrastructure and civilian ports. Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports including Mykolaiv, Odesa, Chornomorsk, Pivdennyi, and Izmail. These strikes hit a Guinea-Bissau-flagged grain vessel near Odesa, reportedly killing 10 people, and an inactive cargo ship in Mykolaiv, killing one. Russian forces also struck a bulk carrier transporting military cargo in the northwestern Black Sea.

Ukraine retaliated with extensive drone operations, targeting Rostov-on-Don and the Moscow region. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 356 Ukrainian drones across several regions, while Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed over 390 drones targeted the capital's region. Ukrainian authorities reported that 107 of 131 Russian strike drones were suppressed or shot down, though sixteen successfully hit targets across nine locations.

The escalation has caused a 20 percent spike in global wheat prices since early July. At a UN Security Council briefing, officials warned that the hostilities are imperiling global food security. In response to the danger, Maersk suspended container services to Chornomorsk. While the United States and China called for a ceasefire, the Russian government accused Ukraine of targeting its own civilians with Western assistance.