A Ukrainian diplomat recalled Russia’s nighttime attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea that belonged to a Turkish company. This occurred shortly after a Turkish delegation’s visit to Russia.
“This incident demonstrates that Russia’s words cannot be trusted. It remains the main threat to security and stability in the Black Sea,” the minister noted.
He explained that the Ukrainian Navy rescued the ship’s crew, which included citizens of Turkey and India. Unfortunately, one crew member, an Egyptian citizen, was killed.
Sybiga added that Russia also struck two other vessels flying the flags of Palau and Belize, which sustained damage, but their crews remained unharmed.
“We are informing all countries and international organizations about this brazen attack on international law and freedom of navigation. This requires a decisive and principled response from the international community and the International Maritime Organization,” the foreign minister emphasized.
According to the Ukrainian Navy, Russian drones attacked civilian merchant ships heading for Ukrainian ports. There were nine crew members on board: citizens of Egypt, Turkey, and India. The Ukrainian Navy successfully evacuated the crew of the cargo ship, although it was not possible to prevent casualties among the foreign nationals.
