Russia attacks civilian vessel carrying Ukrainian oil

Russia has conducted an attack on a civilian vessel transporting Ukrainian sunflower oil to Egypt.

Source: Naval Forces of Ukraine

Details: "On 13 November 2025, the aggressor state once again carried out an attack on a civilian vessel. The Russian Federation conducted a targeted strike using a UAV against the Turkish vessel VIVA, which was en route to Egypt with sunflower oil on board," the statement said.

"The vessel was sailing through the grain corridor. There were 11 citizens of the Republic of Türkiye on board," the Naval Forces of Ukraine reported.

The strike was carried out in the open sea, within Ukraine's exclusive maritime economic zone, outside the coverage area of Ukrainian air defence systems, the statement noted.

The Russian Federation is grossly and cynically violating the norms of international maritime law, the Naval Forces of Ukraine said. Such actions directly contradict the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and constitute a flagrant violation of the San Remo Manual.

Quote: "At present, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are in contact with the captain, and the maritime search and rescue service is on standby to provide assistance if necessary."

Details: The crew was not injured, and the vessel is proceeding to its destination port, the Naval Forces reported.

Through its aggressive actions, Russia is deliberately challenging international law and maritime security, the statement added.

Quote: "But Ukraine cannot be broken, we will endure and defend our freedom and our right to a peaceful sea."

Background:

• On the night of 12-13 December, Russia carried out a large-scale combined attack on Odesa using attack drones and missiles. Ukrainian authorities reported damage to civilian, energy and industrial infrastructure facilities.
• On the evening of 12 December, Russia struck Odesa and the oblast with ballistic missiles and drones. A civilian ship in the port of Chornomorsk belonging to a Turkish company was damaged and one person was injured. Damage was also reported to civil and port infrastructure.

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