Russia Strikes Cargo Ships in Black Sea, Syrian Crew Member Loses Life

On Friday, Ukraine reported that Russia had attacked two cargo ships off its southern coast in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of a Syrian crew member on 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, the assault led to the fatality of a crew member, who was a Syrian national,» Kuleba stated.

«This incident underscores that Russia is intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure, international shipping, and food supply chains,» he continued.

Kyiv has consistently accused Moscow of launching attacks on cargo ships transporting food to and from Ukraine in the Black Sea.

Last month, Ukrainian officials blamed Russia for assaults on two Turkish cargo ferries: one was carrying sunflower oil, and the other was loaded with fresh produce and various food items.

Turkey expressed concern last month about a «concerning escalation» in the Black Sea after Ukraine reported naval drone strikes on tankers connected to Russia in the region.

During in-person 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.