Russian drones attack Turkish vessel, captain killed – Zelenskyy

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said two Russian drones struck a Turkish civilian vessel carrying maize in neutral waters, killing the captain. The fate of another person is still unknown.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy reported that the vessel was Turkish-owned and was carrying maize in neutral waters when it was struck.

"A horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying maize and owned by Türkiye. Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were on board," he said.

The president said the vessel's captain is known to have been killed and the fate of another person is unknown. He also stressed that 11 crew members have been rescued, one of whom was injured.

Quote: "Ukraine has repeatedly proposed concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure security in the Black Sea. There have also been relevant proposals from third countries. But Russia consistently chooses terror and sinking civilian vessels instead of normal maritime navigation. Pressure is needed to restore global food security. And everyone who is genuinely interested in this must help."

Background:

• Earlier, Romanian authorities reported that two people had been killed in the attack.
• Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, previously said that the international community should help resume the global trade route in the Black Sea.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara is stepping up its diplomatic efforts to resume grain exports through the Black Sea and has received a positive signal from Ukraine on the matter.
• Türkiye and the United Nations are arranging new talks between Russia and Ukraine to discuss a Black Sea ceasefire in an attempt to bring together scattered efforts to protect grain shipments amid soaring global food prices.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.