The Russian Federation carried out an attack on a civilian ship carrying Ukrainian sunflower oil to Egypt. This was reported by the Ukrainian Naval Forces.
The Navy noted that an unmanned aerial vehicle of the aggressor country carried out a targeted attack on the Turkish vessel VIVA, which was heading along a designated grain corridor. Eleven citizens of the Republic of Turkey were on board.
The attack occurred in the high seas within the exclusive economic zone of Ukraine, beyond the reach of Ukrainian air defense systems.
The Ukrainian Navy emphasized that Russia’s actions grossly violate international maritime law, contradict the principles of freedom of navigation and the San Remo guidelines.
At the moment, Ukrainian sailors are in constant contact with the ship’s captain, and the maritime search and rescue service is ready to provide assistance if necessary. The crew remained unharmed, the ship continues to move to the port of destination.
The Navy emphasized that Russia’s aggressive actions pose a serious threat to international shipping security, but added:
“Ukraine cannot be broken – we will stand and defend our freedom and right to a peaceful sea.”
