Russia attacked two foreign ships with a drone: there have been casualties
22 June 07:51
On the night of June 22, two civilian merchant ships heading for Ukrainian ports were struck by Russian drones. This was reported by Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to him, the drone strike caused a fire on a ship flying the Panamanian flag.
Kuleba said that the vessel sustained significant damage and was no longer seaworthy.
The minister added that, in addition, the Russians also attacked ships flying the flags of Palau and Belize last night. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the damaged ships continued on their way.
What is known about the attack on the VICTRESS
According to the Ukrainian Navy, the dry cargo ship VICTRESS was attacked by a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle.
The strike caused a massive fire on board.
Ukrainian Navy boats were dispatched to the scene, and their crews conducted a search-and-rescue operation.
At the time of the Russian attack, there were nine crew members on board the VICTRESS.
Among them were citizens of:
- Egypt;
- Turkey;
- India.
The Ukrainian Navy reported that the sailors were evacuated from the ship. However, there were casualties among the crew as a result of the attack.
“Given the difficult situation and the threat of the fire spreading further, the crews of Ukrainian Navy boats successfully carried out a rescue operation to evacuate the crew of the dry cargo ship; unfortunately, there were casualties among them,” the Ukrainian Navy stated in its report.
One crew member—a 58-year-old cook and Egyptian citizen—was killed. Additionally, eight sailors, including citizens of Turkey and India, were forced to evacuate on a life raft.
What is known about the dry cargo ship
The VICTRESS is a civilian cargo ship. It flies the Panamanian flag and is owned by a Turkish company.
Dry cargo ships of this type are used to transport grain, metals, raw materials, and other bulk cargo.
Detailed information about the cargo, the ship’s route, and the extent of its damage has not yet been released.
Russia has once again attacked civilian shipping
The Ukrainian Navy emphasized that the attack on the VICTRESS was yet another instance of Russia violating international maritime law.
Civilian merchant ships are not military targets. Their crews consist of citizens of various countries who are carrying out routine commercial voyages.
Attacks on such ships pose a threat to:
- the lives of civilian seafarers;
- international trade;
- the operation of the Ukrainian maritime corridor;
- food security;
- the stability of shipping in the Black Sea.
Russian attacks are also driving up insurance and logistics costs for shipping companies.
Ukrainian Black Sea ports remain one of the key routes for exporting grain, oil, metals, and other products.
Ships departing from Ukrainian ports deliver cargo to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Any attack on the merchant fleet could lead to:
- delays in cargo shipments;
- higher shipping costs;
- rising insurance rates;
- certain carriers refusing to call at Ukrainian ports;
- a decline in Ukrainian exports.
Attacks on ships in the open sea that are unable to quickly receive assistance from shore are particularly dangerous.
“This is yet another war crime committed by Russia. Attacks on the merchant fleet and humanitarian maritime routes pose a direct threat to global food and economic security and require a decisive response from the international community,” Kuleba emphasized.
Attacks on foreign ships have become more frequent
This is not the first time Russia has struck civilian vessels flying foreign flags.
Previously, ships flying the flags of Panama, Vanuatu, the Comoros, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and other countries have come under attack.
In some cases, fires broke out on the ships, superstructures and equipment were damaged, and crew members were injured.
Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia over the attacks on the merchant fleet.
Which rules is Russia violating?
International maritime law provides for the protection of civilian shipping and freedom of navigation.
Attacks on merchant ships that are not engaged in hostilities may be considered a gross violation of international rules of war.
The Ukrainian Navy emphasized that Russia’s actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to citizens of third countries and international shipping companies.
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