Russia hit cargo ship carrying 2,800 tons corn in Odesa region
Two sailors are missing after Russia's attack on a civilian corn-loaded vessel in Odesa region, Ukraine, on July 25 (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces again attacked civilian shipping and Ukraine's port infrastructure on Saturday, July 25. A civilian vessel in the Odesa region was struck twice, according to Minister of Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine Mykola Kalashnyk.
"Today, a civilian vessel flying the flag of Palau and carrying nearly 2,800 tons of corn was attacked twice as it was leaving a port in the Odesa region," the minister's statement said.
Kalashnyk said the strikes sparked a fire. Preliminary reports indicate that seven crew members and a Ukrainian harbor pilot were rescued.
As of now, two sailors remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
"This is yet another deliberate attack on civilian infrastructure and international shipping. Russia once again demonstrates its complete disregard for international law, creating a threat to maritime safety, global trade, and food security," the minister stressed.
Updated at 10:30 p.m.
Ukraine's State Border Guard Service Maritime Guard confirmed the attack on the vessel and released footage of the damaged ship. According to rescuers, the two crew members who remain missing were thrown into the water after the first strike. Search operations are ongoing.
#Russia hit cargo ship carrying 2,800 tons corn in #Odesa regionhttps://t.co/tkJFRYuGUW pic.twitter.com/oaiOHv6eGy
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 25, 2026
Other important details
As previously reported, Acting Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha recently said that Russia had attacked civilian cargo vessels in the Black Sea and completely locked traffic along Ukraine's maritime corridor.
He noted that, due to the threat of global food shortages, Ukraine is calling for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Media also reported that on July 22, Russian forces targeted the bulk carrier Golden Rose in the Black Sea. State Border Guard Service of Ukraine conducted a rescue operation, saving all 16 crew members.
