Russia strikes two civilian vessels in Black Sea

A Russian attack drone has struck a civilian vessel en route to a Ukrainian port to load grain, while a ship carrying soybeans has been damaged near Odesa, resulting in the death of a Syrian national.

Source: Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister for Development of Communities and Territories

Details: Kuleba said a Russian attack drone struck a civilian vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was en route to Chornomorsk to load grain within the Ukrainian maritime corridor. Injuries have been reported.

"The vessel's seaworthiness has not been compromised; it remains operational and is heading to the nearest port," he added.

"A Comoros-flagged vessel carrying soybeans has also been hit near the port of Odesa. Sadly, one crew member – a citizen of Syria – has been killed in the attack. This is a horrific war crime!" the minister said.

Emergency units have been dispatched to the scene.

"This is yet another piece of evidence that Russia deliberately strikes civilian targets, international shipping and food logistics," Kuleba noted.

"Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure safety and to fulfil its export obligations despite the constant attacks," he added.

Background:

• On 30 December, Russian attack drones attacked the vessels Emmakris III and Captain Karam, which was entering the port to load wheat.
• On 23 December, a civilian vessel flying the Lebanese flag and carrying Ukrainian soybeans was damaged in Odesa port due to a nighttime Russian attack.
• It was previously reported that a Russian attack on the dry cargo vessel CENK M, flying the Turkish flag, has influenced some shipowners' decisions on calling at Ukrainian ports. Whereas they previously entered without arranging separate war-risk insurance, the situation has now changed.
• The intensity of Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure surged in 2025. Ukraine recorded 36 strikes on ports in 2024, rising sharply to 96 in 2025. Last year, 325 port facilities were damaged in the assaults.

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