Russia Strikes Ukrainian Grain Vessel in Black Sea: Ukraine and International Community React
On Thursday, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting a civilian grain vessel with a missile in the Black Sea near NATO member Romania. The ship, which was transporting Ukrainian grain to Egypt, was struck by a Russian missile shortly after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed there were no casualties.
The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine condemned the attack, and a UN spokesperson described it as a “stark reminder” of the risks faced by civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled the strike as a “brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security.”
This incident marks the first missile attack on a civilian grain vessel since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. While some vessels have been damaged in attacks on Ukrainian ports, this is the first time a missile has directly hit a grain transporter at sea.
Source: MV Aya
The attack occurred amid ongoing discussions about whether NATO allies will permit deeper strikes into Russia, a move Moscow has warned would provoke a response. The West has also criticized Iran for allegedly supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.
According to British maritime security company Ambrey, the Russian-launched missile struck the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier Aya after it departed from Chornomorsk in Ukraine’s Odesa region. The vessel sustained damage to its port side, including to a cargo hold and a crane.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink condemned the attack as a violation of international law that threatens global food security. The UN also emphasized that attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure are prohibited under international law.
Ship tracking data showed the vessel’s last reported location near the Romanian port of Constanta. The vessel’s manager, VRS Maritime Services, was not immediately available for comment. The attack has contributed to increased wheat prices due to concerns over supply in the Black Sea export zone.
Zelenskiy posted images of the damage and emphasized that food security should never be targeted. Ukraine, a major global grain exporter, has struggled to resume exports through its sea ports since the invasion. Efforts to revive exports included a deal mediated by the UN and Turkey, which collapsed last year. Ukraine has since established its own shipping corridor along the western coast of the Black Sea, bypassing Russian-controlled waters.
