New Delhi, July 14 -- MOSCOW - Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday its forces struck Ukrainian ports at Chernomorsk and Odessa, hitting cargo ships it said were being used in the interests of Ukraine's armed forces, continuing its campaign to shut down maritime routes that Kyiv relies on for military logistics and grain exports.

The statement, issued through the ministry's official spokesperson and reported by Sputnik, named vessels at both Black Sea port facilities as targets. Russia has consistently maintained that commercial ships serving any military function are legitimate military targets under its stated rules of engagement during the operation in Ukraine.

The Chernomorsk and Odessa port complex on Ukraine's Black Sea coast re...