Attacks on ports in Odessa region: Russia attacked two foreign ships, leaving one dead and several injured
9 January 20:34
On January 9, Russian troops struck the ports of Odessa and Chornomorsk, hitting two civilian ships flying foreign flags. One crew member, a Syrian citizen, was killed in the attack, and others were wounded.
This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine — Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Details of the attacks
The Russian strike hit a ship flying the flag of the Comoros Islands, which was transporting soybeans. One crew member, a Syrian citizen, was killed.
A Russian strike drone hit a civilian ship flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was heading to load grain cargo within the Ukrainian maritime corridor. There are preliminary reports of casualties.
Condition of the ships
According to Kuleba, the seaworthiness of one of the affected ships has not been compromised — it remains operational and is heading to the nearest port for further inspection and assistance.
The Ukrainian authorities regard the strikes as a deliberate attack on civilian objects and international shipping. This is not only a matter of crew safety, but also of food logistics, in particular the export of grain through the Ukrainian maritime corridor.
“This is further evidence that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian objects, international shipping, and food logistics,” said Oleksiy Kuleba.
According to him, Ukraine continues to do everything possible to ensure the safety of shipping and fulfill its export obligations, despite regular attacks.
