Russian Drone Reportedly Hits Chinese Ship as Zelensky Warns of Wider Escalation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to reports of a Russian strike on a Chinese merchant vessel in the Black Sea, calling it further evidence of Moscow’s disregard for civilian safety.

In a statement on Telegram, Zelensky said Russia carried out more than six hours of strikes overnight on the Dnipro and surrounding region.

He noted that a missile attack damaged a high-rise residential building and caused significant destruction to civilian infrastructure, including the energy sector and housing.

“There were drone strikes in Odesa, and one of the drones hit a vessel belonging to China. The Russians could not have been unaware of which vessel was in the sea,” he said.

Earlier, Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk reported on Facebook that Russian forces struck a Chinese merchant ship in Ukraine’s territorial waters early Monday morning.

“I wonder what motivated the Russians when they decided to use a Shahed drone to target a Chinese merchant ship in our sea tonight,” he wrote, adding that no one was injured in the incident.

“There were no casualties, but this is something new,” Pletenchuk added, joking: “A terrible mistake has occurred, comrades?”

At the same time, the Odesa Regional Military Administration (OVA) reported that two Russian drones hit civilian vessels under the flags of Guinea-Bissau and the Marshall Islands during the overnight attack. The ships were in the waiting area and transiting the Ukrainian maritime corridor toward ports in Greater Odesa.

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Both vessels sustained minor fires, which were extinguished by their crews. No casualties were reported, and the ships continued their voyage.

Zelensky said that destruction was recorded in eight regions across Ukraine, with dozens of casualties nationwide, including children.

He stressed that Russia continues to rely on ballistic missiles to target civilians.

“Russia relies on ballistics to strike people, and that is why we in Europe must do everything to ensure reliable protection against this. Europe must have its own anti-ballistic systems and be self-sufficient against these threats,” he said.

Zelensky also reiterated the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.

“We repeat again: we need our own anti-ballistic missiles and strengthened air defense now. This week is about working with partners to strengthen the protection of lives. Thank you to everyone who is already working on this together with Ukraine,” he added.

Russia carried out a combined overnight attack on Dnipro, hitting a residential area, sparking multiple fires, and causing casualties, Ukrainian officials said.

As of 7:10 a.m. Monday, 18 people had been injured in Dnipro, including a two-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy receiving outpatient treatment. Eight people were hospitalized in stable condition, according to regional authorities.

Fires were also reported in Odesa after a separate drone attack that damaged residential buildings and left two people injured.