A Liberian-flagged cargo ship was hit by a Russian missile in the Odesa region, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuring three others. Following the attack, 13 crew members were successfully evacuated to safety.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration stated that this incident represents another deliberate strike by Russia against civilian maritime operations. “Russia continues to terrorize the peaceful trading fleet and the sailors who risk their lives daily to keep Ukrainian maritime routes open,” the administration noted.
Context
- On July 19, a ship flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, owned by Turkey, was attacked while leaving port after loading corn. Among the crew were citizens of India and Syria, and a Ukrainian pilot who lost his life. The attack resulted in a total of ten fatalities.
- Increased strikes on commercial vessels and port infrastructure have led to challenges in grain unloading in Ukraine. Shipowners are hesitant to send vessels to Ukrainian Black Sea ports due to fears of being targeted, prompting some traders to halt purchases in Odesa.
- Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that an international monitoring mission may begin in Ukrainian ports this fall to document each act of maritime terrorism by Russia, paving the way for holding those responsible accountable.
