Raw video footage released on December 12, 2025, captures the moment a Russian Shahed drone struck the Turkish-flagged ro-ro cargo ship CENK T at the port of Odesa, Ukraine. The strike caused a fire on board, but no casualties were reported. Two other Turkish vessels at the port were also damaged during the coordinated attack.

According to Ukrainian and Turkish maritime sources, the strike represents a retaliatory measure by Russia following recent Ukrainian drone strikes on two Russian oil tankers near the Turkish coast. The incident underscores a growing pattern of escalation in Black Sea maritime operations, where both sides have increasingly targeted commercial and military shipping assets.

The attack has had broader economic implications, with grain exports from Ukrainian ports disrupted and shipping insurance rates rising by 20 to 30 percent as companies reassess the risks of navigating the conflict zone. International observers have expressed concern over the safety of civilian maritime traffic, noting the potential for accidents or miscalculations that could exacerbate the crisis.

Authorities in Odesa quickly dispatched fire-fighting teams to contain the blaze, while port officials confirmed that cargo operations were temporarily suspended. Turkish and Ukrainian officials are coordinating damage assessments and reviewing security protocols to prevent further incidents.

The CENK T strike is part of a larger escalation in the Black Sea, illustrating the vulnerability of commercial shipping amid ongoing regional conflicts. Analysts warn that continued attacks on civilian vessels may have long-term implications for global trade and energy markets.