Russia strikes Turkish, Palau, and Belize ships in Black Sea, Ukrainian Navy evacuates crew
File photo: Ukrainian Navy personnel evacuated the ship's crew (Nina Liashonok, Ukrinform)
On the night of June 22, Russia launched drone attacks on civilian merchant ships heading for Ukrainian ports. A fire broke out on the Turkish-owned vessel VICTRESS, according to the Ukrainian Navy and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.
The dry cargo ship was sailing under the Panamanian flag, although Türkiye owns it. After a drone struck the vessel, a fire broke out on board, and the ship sustained significant damage.
The Ukrainian Navy began rescuing the ship’s crew, but one person did not survive.
"Unfortunately, a crew member, a 58-year-old cook, was killed. We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The other eight sailors were evacuated on a life raft," the USPA says.
Civilian vessels flying the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged as a result of the Russian attack. There were no casualties, and the vessels continued on their way.
Russia strikes Turkish, Palau, and Belize ships in Black Sea, Ukrainian Navy evacuates crew
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) June 22, 2026
: Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority pic.twitter.com/152udPiyHC
"Targeted strikes against the civilian merchant fleet and maritime infrastructure constitute a gross violation of international law and further evidence that Russia is deliberately jeopardizing the safety of international shipping," the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority notes.
Photo: The crew of a foreign vessel after being fired upon by Russia (Ukrainian Navy)
Photo: The crew of a foreign vessel after being fired upon by Russia (Ukrainian Navy)
Photo: The crew of a foreign vessel after being fired upon by Russia (Ukrainian Navy)
Recently, the Ukrainian Navy struck two Russian patrol boats that were guarding the Kerch Bridge.
A unit of the Ukrainian Navy struck the sanctioned vessel MARQUISE near Tuapse with maritime drones.
