Ukrainian naval authorities have accused Russia of deliberately targeting a civilian Turkish cargo vessel with a drone strike on Saturday. The attack occurred just one day after Moscow launched strikes on two Ukrainian port facilities.
According to a statement posted on Telegram by Ukraine’s navy, the commercial vessel-identified as the VIVA-was transporting sunflower oil from Ukraine to Egypt when it was hit by the unmanned aerial vehicle. All 11 Turkish crew members aboard the civilian ship escaped injury, and the VIVA has continued its voyage toward Egypt.
The drone strike took place in international waters within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, well outside the protective range of Ukrainian air defense systems, the navy stated. Officials emphasized that this attack on a civilian commercial vessel represents a clear violation of international maritime law.
Ukrainian naval authorities remain in direct contact with the ship’s captain to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the crew and vessel.
Recent attacks on ports
The drone strike on the Turkish vessel occurred one day after Russian forces launched two separate attacks on ports in the Odesa region on Friday, December 12.
In the first attack, the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa were hit, damaging a Turkish-flagged ferry and igniting a fire on another vessel. A worker at Odesa port sustained injuries, and a container crane was damaged.
The second strike later that day targeted another port facility in the Odesa region, damaging infrastructure and causing an additional fire, according to the Odesa Regional Military Administration.
In total, three Turkish-owned vessels were damaged in Friday’s port attacks.
Following the initial strike, Turkey called for immediate de-escalation and stressed the importance of establishing an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.
The attacks follow Moscow’s recent threat to cut Ukraine off from the sea after Ukrainian strikes damaged three shadow fleet tankers transporting Russian oil exports.
