Ukraine alleges Russian missile strike on civilian ship near Odesa

A missile fired by Russia has struck a civilian ship entering the port of Odesa in the Black Sea region, killing a harbour pilot and injuring four crew members. The attack comes amid escalating military activity and attacks in the Black Sea since a UN-brokered deal guaranteeing safe passage for civilian ships fell through in July. Ukraine has announced a new "humanitarian corridor" for civilian ships, but Russia continues to target Ukraine's grain-exporting ports and infrastructure. In a show of support, the European Union's executive has recommended opening formal membership talks with Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic about Ukraine's eventual success in the war despite slow progress on the front lines.