Ukraine has charged Russia with attacking a Turkish vessel in the Black Sea, claiming the incident occurred on Saturday while the ship was transporting sunflower oil to Egypt. The incident follows a recent strike on another Turkish-owned ship at a Ukrainian port, which caused a fire.
According to Ukraine’s navy, the vessel, identified as the ‘VIVA,’ was struck by a drone in what they described as a targeted attack. Fortunately, all 11 crew members aboard the ship were reported safe, and the vessel managed to continue its journey despite sustaining damages. The navy shared a video that displayed water accumulating on the deck of the ‘VIVA’ and remnants believed to be from the drone involved in the strike.
The strike occurred while the ‘VIVA’ was navigating through Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, utilizing a designated grain corridor intended to ensure the safe passage of essential agricultural products across the Black Sea. This corridor has become critical for Ukraine’s economy, particularly in the wake of ongoing conflict.
This incident marks the second attack on a Turkish vessel within a span of just two days, raising concerns regarding maritime safety in the region. The escalation comes on the heels of discussions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held the previous day, during which Erdogan urged for a cessation of attacks on ports and energy infrastructure. The situation highlights the increasing tensions and complexities surrounding the Black Sea trade routes amid ongoing conflict.
