Russian strikes in Ukraine damage German ship and warehouses
A German cargo ship was damaged and warehouses of German companies Liqui Moly and Puma were hit during Russian attacks in Ukraine, causing significant losses.
A German cargo vessel came under attack by Russian drones in the Black Sea near Odesa, according to the German tabloid Bild. The incident occurred on August 5 when the ship was about 21 nautical miles from the port. Several technical systems failed, the vessel lost manoeuvrability and a fire broke out.
The crew was evacuated, and during the evacuation another drone struck the ship, journalists report. No injuries have been confirmed. The crew had no German citizens. The bulk carrier Emil sails under the Liberian flag but belongs to the Hamburg-based shipping company Johann M. K. Blumenthal.
Another cargo ship, the Mera Queen, carrying grain and flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was also damaged. Ukrainian authorities said one crew member was killed in the attack.
Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed strikes on two cargo vessels without naming them, claiming they were transporting military equipment for the Ukrainian army.
On the same day, during a Russian attack on Kyiv, one of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the German lubricant manufacturer Liqui Moly based in Ulm. No one was injured in the attack and ensuing fire, but damage is estimated at several million euros, according to company representative Sina Atai.
Liqui Moly said the fully destroyed facility was the central warehouse of its distributor in Ukraine, storing products for the local market. Reconstruction is not currently being considered. 'We are working together to limit the consequences of the incident and continue supplying our customers,' the representative said.
A warehouse of sporting goods manufacturer Puma was also hit during the Russian strike. A company spokesperson did not disclose the exact location but said Puma's logistics centre in Ukraine was attacked with ballistic missiles on the night of August 5. No employees were injured.
Late on Wednesday, Russia's Defence Ministry announced a massive strike on what it called logistics and distribution centres for military products in Kyiv and its outskirts.
