Explosion heard in Kyiv, Ukrainian port struck by drones

An explosion was heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, according to a witness. Russia launched attacks on several energy targets across Ukraine the previous day. In Kharkiv, three bodies were recovered from the ruins following a recent assault, Mayor Ihor Terehov announced on Telegram. Simultaneously, Russian drones caused damage to a cargo terminal at Ukraine's port city of Mykolaiv overnight, reported Acting Regional Governor Heorhii Reshetilov on Telegram.

Meanwhile, three individuals were killed and 16 injured in Ukrainian strikes on Russia's Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. Two fatalities were reported in an overnight attack, and a third person died following an incident on Friday, stated the region's governor, Alexander Shuvaev. Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.

In Russia, falling debris from drones damaged an industrial area in Nevinnomyssk, located in the southern Stavropol region. Governor Vladimir Vladimirov disclosed the incident on Telegram, noting that Nevinnomyssk is a significant chemical production site and other industrial facilities. Additionally, two ships were targeted by drones off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, resulting in one ship sinking, in what is the second such occurrence in a week.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev informed the public, highlighting that the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, sailing under a Maltese flag, sustained damage from three drones approximately 18 nautical miles off the Bulgarian coast. The ship's crew of seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis was rescued, with five crew members receiving medical attention but no serious injuries.

One crew member from the sunken vessel was also rescued, according to Radev. Radev expressed his concerns, stating that the attack near Bulgarian territorial waters is "absolutely unacceptable" and would discuss the matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Radev emphasized that no definitive evidence exists regarding the attacker, but stated that the incident benefits the Russian Federation and plans to summon the Russian ambassador over the matter.

While Bulgaria does not share a border with either Ukraine or Russia, its strategic position on the Black Sea, home to major ports for both nations, has heightened concerns about hybrid attacks involving drones as Russia continues its conflict in Ukraine.