Russia attacks civilian vessels in Black Sea: One dead
Overnight, Russian drones attacked civilian merchant vessels flying the flags of Panama, Palau, and Belize in the Black Sea. The strike triggered a major fire on one of the ships, killing a foreign sailor. The remaining crew members were rescued by the Ukrainian Navy.
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Russian drone attack on a foreign vessel
In the early hours of June 22, Russian occupying forces launched another targeted attack on the civilian merchant fleet heading to Ukrainian ports. Three foreign vessels were damaged in the drone strikes, leaving one crew member dead and several others injured.
The incident was reported by the Ukrainian Navy and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Oleksii Kuleba.
Strike on the cargo ship VICTRESS: major fire and death of a sailor
The bulk carrier VICTRESS (Turkish-owned, operating under the Panama flag) sustained the most severe destruction. A direct hit from a Russian UAV sparked a massive fire on board. The vessel sustained severe damage and was rendered completely unseaworthy.
Due to the critical threat of the fire spreading, eight sailors were forced to evacuate on a life raft. The vessel carried nine crew members—citizens of Egypt, Turkey, and India.
Crew members of the attacked vessels
Tragically, the attack claimed the life of one sailor. According to Oleksii Kuleba, the victim was the ship's 58-year-old cook, an Egyptian national.
Ukrainian Navy rescue operation
Given the critical situation and the threat to the lives of foreign nationals, Ukrainian Navy boat crews promptly executed a successful rescue operation, evacuating the sailors from the burning vessel.
"This incident demonstrates once again that the Russian Federation continues to violate international maritime law and pose threats to civilian shipping. The Ukrainian Navy will continue to do everything possible to ensure maritime safety," the Navy Command said.
Attacks on other vessels and official reaction
In addition to the cargo ship VICTRESS, Russian drones targeted two more civilian vessels—flying the flags of Palau and Belize—that same night. They also sustained damage, but fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the ships were able to continue their passage.
The Cabinet of Ministers stresses that Russia's actions constitute yet another blatant war crime that demands an immediate global response.
"Attacks on the merchant fleet and humanitarian maritime routes pose a direct threat to global food and economic security, requiring a decisive reaction from the international community," Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba stated.