Russian drone targets Turkish vessel in Black Sea, Ukrainian Navy says
Illustrative photo: Russia attacked the vessel with a drone; the crew was unharmed (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
On Saturday, December 13, Russian forces again attacked a civilian Turkish vessel en route from Ukraine to Egypt using a drone, reports the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Russia carried out a targeted strike using a UAV on the Turkish vessel VIVA, which was en route to Egypt carrying sunflower oil. Its passage was through the grain corridor. Eleven citizens of the Republic of Türkiye were on board," the Navy statement said.
Fortunately, the crew was unharmed. The vessel is currently proceeding to its port of destination in Egypt.
The Navy clarified that the strike occurred in the open sea, within Ukraine's exclusive economic zone, outside the range of Ukrainian air defenses.
"Russia is openly and cynically violating international maritime law. Such actions directly contradict the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and are a blatant violation of the San Remo Manual," the Navy emphasized.
The Ukrainian Navy remains in contact with the vessel's captain, and the maritime search and rescue service is on standby to provide assistance if needed.
"Through its aggressive actions, (Russia -ed.) is deliberately challenging international law and maritime safety. But Ukraine will not break — we will stand firm and defend our freedom and the right to a peaceful sea," the Navy concluded.
Russian strikes on ports
On Friday, December 12, Russian forces launched two attacks on ports in the Odesa region in a single day.
During the first strike, the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa were targeted, damaging a Turkish-flagged ferry and causing a fire on another vessel. Additionally, a private company worker was injured at Odesa port, and a container crane was damaged.
Later that same day, Russia struck another port in the Odesa region, damaging port infrastructure and causing a fire, according to the Odesa Regional Military Administration.
Following the first attack, Türkiye urged immediate de-escalation and emphasized the need to secure an agreement guaranteeing safe navigation in the Black Sea.
