Three killed in Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia’s Rostov region; cargo ship fire extinguished

Three people, including two crew members aboard a cargo vessel, were killed in a series of Ukrainian drone attacks overnight on Russia’s Rostov-on-Don and nearby Bataysk in the southern Rostov region, officials reported early Thursday.

Regional governor Yury Slyusar said that a drone strike hit a ship moored at the port of Rostov-on-Don, causing a fire aboard the vessel. Emergency crews later extinguished the blaze, and Russian authorities said an oil leak was avoided.

Two crew members aboard the cargo ship were killed in the strike and three others were injured, according to official statements.

In a separate attack on the town of Bataysk, authorities reported that a civilian was killed and several others were wounded as drones struck residential areas south of Rostov-on-Don.

Local officials said multiple Russian air defence systems engaged incoming Ukrainian drones overnight, with dozens reportedly intercepted over several regions.

The strikes represent a continued escalation in long-range Ukrainian drone operations targeting logistical and infrastructure sites deep inside Russian territory.

As Russia and Ukraine’s conflict persists into late 2025, such attacks underscore the expanding geographic scope of hostilities and the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems in offensive operations.

Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 18 Dec 2025