Ukraine: Three killed in Russian attacks on merchant ships

Russian attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea have resulted in three fatalities, according to Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration. The assaults occurred off the southern coast of Ukraine, impacting vessels that were using routes crucial for Ukrainian grain exports.

One of the targeted ships, a civilian vessel flying a Marshall Islands flag, was struck by a drone, causing a fire and the deaths of two individuals. Another merchant ship, sailing under a Tanzanian flag, also sustained damage, leading to the death of its captain. A third vessel was also hit. In total, 11 crew members were evacuated, with three sustaining injuries.

Kiper stated that these attacks are war crimes against civilian populations, shipping, and global food security. Russia has frequently targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure, particularly in the Odesa region, since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. In response, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on ships in the Sea of Azov, a key route for Russian agricultural products and supplies to Crimea.

The attacks have disrupted vital trade routes. Reuters reported that 116 ships have been hit in the Sea of Azov in the past nine days. Approximately a quarter of Russia's grain exports utilize this route, underscoring the global impact of the conflict on food supplies, as Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter.

“

Om aftenen udførte fjenden et nyt angreb på havneinfrastruktur i Odesa-regionen. Under angrebet ramte en fjendtlig drone et civilt skib, der sejlede under et flag fra Marshalløerne. Der udbrød brand om bord. Desværre blev to personer dræbt.