Russia attacked civilian ships in the Black Sea with drones: one person was killed and others were injured
19 June 09:11
On June 19, Russian occupation forces attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea with drones. The ships flying the flags of Panama and St. Kitts and Nevis were targeted. This was reported by Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to Oleksiy Kuleba, Russian drones attacked civilian merchant ships that were in the Black Sea.
One of them was flying the Panamanian flag. As a result of the attack, one crew member was killed and two sailors were injured.
One of the injured is in critical condition.
The Russian military also attacked a vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Three sailors on board sustained minor injuries.
How many people were injured
According to preliminary data, as a result of the attack on two civilian vessels:
- one person was killed;
- two crew members of the Panamanian-flagged vessel were injured;
- three sailors from the vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis sustained minor injuries.
In total, five crew members from the two ships were injured in the attacks.
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Kuleba Accused Russia of Terror Against Shipping
Oleksiy Kuleba called the attack further proof that Russia is deliberately waging war against freedom of navigation and international trade.
“This is yet another proof that Russia is waging a war against freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security,” the minister emphasized.
According to him, civilian crews, merchant ships, and maritime infrastructure that supports humanitarian and export routes are being targeted by the Russian military.
Threat to the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor
The Ukrainian maritime corridor plays a key role in the transport of grain, food, metals, and other export cargo.
Russian attacks on ships and port infrastructure pose risks not only to Ukraine but also to international carriers, insurance companies, and global food markets.
Due to the threat of attacks, the costs of ship insurance, freight, and logistics may rise. This, in turn, could affect the final cost of Ukrainian exports.
This is not the first time Russia has attacked civilian ships
This is not the first Russian attack on civilian shipping in the Black Sea.
Previously, Russian forces fired on merchant ships, port infrastructure, and civilian search-and-rescue vessels carrying out humanitarian missions within the Ukrainian maritime corridor.
In early June, Russia attacked two vessels of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service. They were carrying out a humanitarian mission and were entitled to special protection under international law.
Oleksiy Kuleba stressed that attacks on civilian shipping must be clearly assessed by the international community.
According to him, the world must not grow accustomed to a situation where civilian sailors and merchant ships become targets of Russian weapons.
Ukraine has repeatedly called on its international partners to intensify sanctions and political pressure on Russia in response to attacks on ports, civilian infrastructure, and maritime routes.
What is known about the damage to the ships
At this time, detailed information about the nature of the damage to the two ships has not been made public.
Nor have the names of the ships, the type of cargo, or their intended route been officially reported.
It is known that the relevant services are providing assistance to the affected crew members.
Impact on Ukraine’s Exports
The safe operation of the maritime corridor is critical to the Ukrainian economy.
Ukraine exports significant volumes of grain, oil, metals, and other products via maritime routes. Revenues from these exports support the economy and ensure a flow of foreign currency.
Every attack on ships or ports creates additional risks for carriers and can lead to temporary delays in logistics.
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