In the past 24 hours, there have been reports of dropping unknown explosive devices into the Black Sea along the humanitarian corridor. This was reported by the head of the United Coordination Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces, Captain of the First Rank Natalia Humenyuk on the Espresso TV channel.
"Over the past day, more than 35 aerial munitions have been detected in the air in the Kherson region and Odessa region. These include guided aviation bombs, air-launched rockets, and unknown explosive devices that the enemy is placing in the Black Sea along the humanitarian corridor. The enemy's terror continues everywhere: in the air, on land, and at sea," Humenyuk said.
She mentioned that the guided aviation bombs can be directed from a distance of 50-60 km. In other words, the aircraft themselves do not approach; they release the guided aviation bombs.
"If we remember that Zmeiiniy (Snake) Island is part of Odessa region, we can say that this is also happening within Odessa. The territorial waters around the island also fall within Odessa. Furthermore, the enemy is attempting to drop, from such tactical aircraft, what are currently unknown to us but are evidently explosive devices or objects that could be seabed mines. When they enter the water, they pose an additional threat," emphasized Humenyuk.
Since the sea is already mined, the guided aviation bombs could trigger explosions and additional detonations of mines that are sensitive to shockwaves and may drift freely within the water. The location of these mines changes as they detach from their anchors and drift in the water. However, the Defense Forces ensure the safe operation of the humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea, and therefore, mariners continue to trust Ukraine as a responsible maritime state.
Natalia Humenyuk provided information on the operational situation on the front lines. She noted that there is currently an intense operation on the southern front related to enemy activity in the air and the effective counter-battery actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the left bank.
"The Ukrainian Armed Forces are neutralizing the enemy's potential. In the past day, more than 80 occupiers were eliminated, along with over 20 artillery pieces, three multiple launch rocket systems, a tank, a boat, and 10 pieces of armored vehicles. An Orlan-type drone was also destroyed. This indicates that the enemy is not only conducting strikes but is also gathering information for further development of combat events," summarized Humenyuk.
