Ukraine’s navy has accused Russia of conducting a targeted drone strike on a Turkish civilian vessel, the ‘VIVA’, in the Black Sea on Saturday. The ship was reportedly en route to Egypt carrying a cargo of sunflower oil.
This incident marks the second attack on a Turkish-owned ship in as many days, and it occurred shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for a cessation of attacks on ports and energy facilities.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Target: Turkish vessel ‘VIVA’.
- Cargo & Destination: Sunflower oil, headed to Egypt.
- Method of Attack: Russia “delivered a targeted strike using a drone,” according to Ukraine’s navy.
- Location: The ship was in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, utilizing the grain corridor established to provide safe passage for agricultural shipments.
- Damage & Crew Status: None of the 11 crew members were wounded, and the vessel was reportedly able to continue its journey. Ukraine’s navy released a video showing a damaged deck and what appeared to be a drone engine.
Ukrainian Response and Vow of Retaliation:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the strike in his evening address, characterizing it as a direct threat to global food security.
“It was a strike against food security,” Zelensky said, arguing that “striking such ships, which have nothing to do with the war, is a direct challenge by Russia to the whole world.”
Zelensky vowed to coordinate with partners to determine an appropriate “response” to the attack.