Russia strikes 2 civilian ships in Black Sea: One killed, two injured reported
Photo: Russia attacked ships in the Black Sea (Getty Images)
Russian drones attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, according to Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community and Territorial Development.
Russia struck two merchant ships in the Black Sea.
One crew member was killed aboard the Panamanian-flagged vessel, and two others were injured, one of whom is in severe condition.
The second vessel was flying the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis. Three crew members on board sustained minor injuries.
What Kuleba says
"This is yet another proof that Russia is waging a war against freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security. Civilian crews, merchant ships, and maritime infrastructure that supports humanitarian and export routes are being targeted," Kuleba states.
According to him, such crimes must be clearly classified internationally as terrorism.
"The world cannot grow accustomed to civilian sailors becoming targets for Russian weapons," he emphasizes.
This is not the first such incident.
On June 10, Russian drones struck two cargo ships near Odesa, flying the flags of Panama and Barbados. One was heading to load metal, while the other was leaving the port with a cargo of wheat.
On June 6, Russia attacked two civilian search-and-rescue vessels during a humanitarian mission within the Ukrainian maritime corridor. Kuleba noted at the time that such vessels were entitled to special protection under international humanitarian law.
