Ukraine on Saturday accused Russia of attacking a Turkish cargo vessel carrying sunflower oil in the Black Sea, escalating concerns over the safety of global food shipments.
According to Ukraine’s navy, a Russian drone struck the Turkish-owned vessel VIVA while it was sailing toward Egypt with a shipment of sunflower oil. The navy disclosed the incident in a statement shared on social media.
No Casualties as Vessel Continues Journey
The navy confirmed that none of the 11 crew members onboard suffered injuries. Despite the damage, the vessel remained seaworthy and continued its journey.
Ukraine’s navy also released a video showing visible damage to the ship’s deck. The footage appeared to show water flooding parts of the vessel and what officials identified as fragments of a drone engine.
Zelensky Condemns Strike, Warns of Response
President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a direct threat to global food security. In his nightly address, he said Russia deliberately targeted a civilian ship with no connection to military operations.
“This was a strike against food security,” Zelensky said. “Attacking such vessels challenges not only Ukraine, but the entire world.”
He added that Ukraine would consult its international partners to determine the appropriate response, stressing that Russia’s actions could not go unanswered.
Attack Occurred in Grain Corridor Zone
The VIVA was sailing within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, using a grain corridor designed to ensure safe passage for agricultural exports through the Black Sea. Ukraine established the corridor to keep food supplies moving despite ongoing hostilities.
The incident marked the second attack on a Turkish vessel in two days. A day earlier, a Russian strike caused a fire aboard another Turkish-owned ship docked at a Ukrainian port.
Tensions Rise Despite Erdogan-Putin Talks
The attack came shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russia to halt strikes on ports and energy infrastructure. Erdogan raised the issue during face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
Ukraine warned that repeated attacks on neutral commercial vessels could undermine international efforts to stabilise food markets and maintain maritime security in the region
