Russia attacks two civilian vessels near Ukrainian ports: Foreign national killed
Photo: Russia struck civilian vessels (t.me/OleksiiKuleba)
Today, January 9, Russian forces struck civilian vessels sailing near Ukrainian ports. A Syrian citizen was killed as a result of the attack, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community Development Oleksiy Kuleba on Telegram.
According to Kuleba, the Russian strike drone targeted a vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis (a country in the eastern Caribbean). The ship was en route to be loaded with a grain cargo as part of the Ukrainian Grain Corridor.
Photo: Russian forces attacked vessels near Ukrainian ports (t.me/OleksiiKuleba)
Photo: Russian forces attacked vessels near Ukrainian ports (t.me/OleksiiKuleba)
Photo: Russian forces attacked vessels near Ukrainian ports (t.me/OleksiiKuleba)
"As a result of the attack, unfortunately, there is a deceased crew member — a Syrian citizen. This is a horrific war crime," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
He added that near the port of Odesa, the Russian forces struck a vessel flying the flag of the Comoros Islands. The ship was carrying soybeans. According to preliminary information, there are casualties. Rescuers have been dispatched to the scene.
"This is yet another demonstration that Russia deliberately targets civilian objects, international shipping, and food logistics," Kuleba said.
Strikes on civilian vessels
On December 13, Russian forces attacked the Turkish civilian ship VIVA, which was sailing from Ukraine to Egypt with sunflower oil.
The strike was carried out by a drone in the open sea within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, beyond the reach of Ukrainian air defenses. Eleven Turkish citizens were on board.
Additionally, on January 7, the Russian forces attacked two ports in the Odesa region. Two people were killed as a result of the attacks.
