Attacks on ports in the Odesa region: Russia attacked two foreign ships; one person was killed and others were injured
9 January 20:34
On January 9, Russian forces launched strikes on the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk, hitting two civilian vessels flying foreign flags. One crew member—a Syrian national— was killed in the attack, and there are also wounded.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The Russian strike hit a vessel flying the flag of the Comoros, which was carrying soybeans. One crew member—a Syrian citizen—was killed.
A Russian strike drone hit a civilian vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was heading to load a grain cargo within the Ukrainian maritime corridor. There are preliminary reports of casualties.
Condition of the vessels
According to Kuleba, the seaworthiness of one of the struck vessels remains intact —it is still operational and is heading to the nearest port for further inspection and assistance.
Ukrainian authorities view the strikes as a deliberate attack on civilian targets and international shipping. This concerns not only the safety of the crews but also food logistics, particularly grain exports via the Ukrainian maritime corridor.
“This is yet another indication that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, international shipping, and food logistics,” stated 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.
