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Ukrainian drones target Berdiansk port occupied by Russians in intense morning assault

Ukrainian drones struck Berdiansk port early today, igniting fires and leading to visible smoke clouds, power outages, and casualties, as occupation authorities scramble to assess the impact. The attack has prompted Russian officials to halt social services in the city.

byOlena Mukhina

31/10/2024

2 minute read

Smoke after the explosion in Berdiansk port / Photo: TG channel of Berdiansk city military administration

Ukrainian drones target Berdiansk port occupied by Russians in intense morning assault

On 31 October, Ukrainian drones attacked a port in occupied Berdiansk, Mariupol Mayor’s advisor, Petro Andriushchenko, confirmed on social media.

The Berdiansk front is of significant strategic importance in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It serves as a critical logistical hub for Russian military operations in southern Ukraine, Donetsk Oblast, and Crimea. Control over Berdiansk, which is situated along the Sea of Azov, allows for the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment essential for sustaining Russian forces in the region.

“Since six in the morning, Ukrainian drones have been attacking Berdiansk. The main strike hit an area near the port. Thick smoke from a large fire is visibly rising over the port. There is a large number of ambulances and fire trucks,” Andriushchenko wrote.

Additionally, he noted that the occupation authorities not only admitted the strike for the first time but also reported an attack on the administration’s building in the city.

According to Andriushchenko, some areas have lost electricity supply, and the work of official municipal bodies has been suspended.

“Finally, a good morning from the occupation,” he added emotionally.

Previously, in an interview with Espreso, Deputy Chairman of the Berdiansk District Council Viktor Dudukalov reported that there were at least six “hits” in the city. He said that since 6:00 AM, the situation in Berdiansk has been very tense with Russian air defenses.

“There were at least six hits, mostly near the port area. Smoke, ambulances, and certain streets in the city center leading to the port are closed off. The occupiers claim everything is fine and under control, yet they declared a day off and advised everyone to stay home, supposedly because everything is ‘indeed’ under control,” Dudukalov stated.

Meanwhile, the occupation authorities in Berdiansk have reported a massive attack on the port, “presumably with kamikaze drones.”

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