Port Blasts and Border Deaths Mark New Escalation in Ukraine War as Moscow Presses U.S. on Tomahawks

Overview

• A barrage struck the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, injuring five and igniting large explosions; Ukraine reported damage to a port facility handling civilian cargo as pro-Russian channels alleged, without verification, that a newly unloaded military shipment detonated.
• In Ukraine’s Sumy region, three people were killed and two injured in strikes involving drones and guided bombs, according to regional authorities.
• In Russia’s Belgorod region, a missile hit the settlement of Maslova Pristan, killing three people and damaging a sports complex, the regional governor said.
• Russia reported downing 184 Ukrainian drones in one night this week after a similarly large wave the previous day, reflecting intensifying cross‑border attacks on energy and logistics infrastructure.
• The Kremlin requested clarification from Washington on possible Tomahawk transfers as President Trump said he had "more or less" made a decision and does not seek escalation, while Russia said the Anchorage meeting’s peace momentum has faded and EU leaders called for coordinated anti‑drone defenses against hybrid threats.