Russia Strikes Two Cargo Ships in Black Sea, Syrian Crew Member Fatality Reported

On Friday, Ukraine reported that Russia had struck two cargo ships off its southern coast in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of a Syrian crew member aboard one of the vessels.

According to Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba on Telegram, one ship was headed to the southern port of Chornomorsk to load grain, while the other was struck near the port of Odesa while carrying soybeans.

«Regrettably, this attack led to the fatality of a crew member, who was a citizen of Syria,» Kuleba stated.

He emphasized, «This incident is yet another instance of Russia intentionally targeting civilian structures, international shipping routes, and food supply chains.»

Kyiv has consistently accused Moscow of assaulting cargo ships that carry food products to and from Ukraine in the Black Sea.

Last month, Ukraine attributed attacks on two Turkish cargo ferries to Russia: one ferry was transporting sunflower oil, while the other was loaded with fresh produce and other food items.

Turkey also expressed concern last month over a «worrying escalation» in the Black Sea, following Ukraine’s claims of conducting naval drone attacks on tankers associated with Russia in the region.

During direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan advocated for a «limited ceasefire» regarding attacks on ports and energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.