Why Russia Is Targeting Ships in Odessa – An Inside Look

Since the war in Ukraine entered its fourth year, the Black Sea has turned into a danger zone for anyone sailing through it. On July 26, 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs put out a stark warning for Indian mariners: the waters around Odessa are "highly volatile" and missile‑drone attacks have risen sharply since April.

That advisory didn’t come out of thin air. Just days earlier, an Indian crew member aboard the Greek‑registered MV Omorfi lost his life when the vessel was struck while cruising through Russian‑controlled waters. The next day, the Ukrainian‑flagged MV Golden Leo was hit off Odessa’s coast, killing ten sailors, four of them Indians. These incidents forced New Delhi to summon Russia’s charge d’affaires and to ask its seafarers to think twice before signing up for Black Sea voyages.

So, why is Russia deliberately hitting merchant ships in and around Odessa? The answer is a mix of strategy, economics and, frankly, desperation.

First, the port of Odessa is Ukraine’s main outlet for grain, fertilizer and other bulk commodities. By targeting ships that try to dock or even sail nearby, Moscow hopes to choke off Ukraine’s export lifelines. Less grain leaving Ukraine means higher global food prices – a lever that can be used as political pressure on the West, which has been supplying Kyiv with weapons.

Second, the attacks serve a military purpose. Russia has set up a naval “anti‑access/area‑denial” bubble in the Black Sea, using coastal missile batteries, air‑launched drones and, increasingly, long‑range cruise missiles. The goal is to make any Ukrainian naval movement, as well as the movement of foreign vessels that could aid Kyiv, practically impossible.

Third, there’s a shadow‑fleet angle. Over the past year, several sanctioned vessels – often flagged under obscure registries – have been repurposed to ferry Russian oil and grain under the radar. By making the whole maritime environment seem risky, Moscow can obscure the activities of these shadow ships while simultaneously warning off legitimate commercial traffic.

From a legal standpoint, Russia claims it is defending its “maritime security” and that any ship entering Ukrainian waters without permission is a legitimate target. International law, however, draws a line at civilian vessels that are not directly supporting military operations. That grey area is exactly what makes the situation so volatile.

For Indian sailors, the stakes are personal. The Ministry’s advisory urges crew members to obtain detailed information from employers about routes, insurance, evacuation plans and medical cover. It also warns them to verify that any contract complies with international maritime standards – a safeguard against being caught up in what analysts call “sanction‑busting” operations.

In short, the barrage of missiles and drones over Odessa isn’t random. It’s a calculated attempt to cripple Ukraine’s trade, project power across the Black Sea and keep the world guessing about who’s really on the water. Until a diplomatic breakthrough reshapes the conflict, commercial ships – and the people who crew them – will have to navigate these treacherous waters with extreme caution.