Russian defense ministry said that the drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems.

This is the latest in a string of attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea. In recent weeks, Ukraine has launched several attacks on Russian ships, including a missile strike that sank the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

The attacks have escalated since Russia pulled out of a deal that had allowed safe export of Ukrainian grain through the shipping hub. The deal, which was brokered by the United Nations, was designed to help alleviate the global food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry said that the Ukrainian drones that were intercepted on Thursday were carrying explosives. The ministry said that the drones were launched from the Ukrainian-held city of Odessa.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine of the Russian claims.

The attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea are a sign of the growing desperation of the Ukrainian military. The Ukrainian military is outgunned and outnumbered by the Russian military, but it has been able to inflict significant damage on Russian forces.

The attacks on Russian ships are also a reminder of the importance of the Black Sea to the war in Ukraine. The Black Sea is a major shipping route for Ukrainian grain exports. If Russia is able to control the Black Sea, it will be able to cut off Ukraine's grain exports and further damage the Ukrainian economy. (ILKHA)