Ukraine is claiming it has sunk a Russian merchant ship for the first time using drones. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were launched against the port of Olya in the Caspian Sea on Friday, with the 5,200-dwt multipurpose Port Olya-4 (bult 2014) also a target. The vessel was alleged to be carrying Iranian weapons components for Russia.

According to preliminary data, as of 9:00 a.m., air defenses shot down or neutralized 40 enemy Shahed drones and decoy drones in the northern and eastern regions of the country, the military stated. A missile and 20 drones struck 12 locations in frontline areas of Kharkiv,

Ukrainian forces are increasing the intensity of long-range drone strikes deep into Russia ahead of Friday's planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin.