Russia strikes grain vessels in Ukrainian ports, one crew member killed

Russia attacked two civilian vessels in the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa on 8 January, Vice Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba reported.

According to him, while approaching the port of Chornomorsk, a Russian attack drone struck a foreign-flagged civilian vessel registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The ship was heading to be loaded with grain within Ukraine’s maritime corridor. Preliminary reports indicate that there are injured crew members.

The vessel’s seaworthiness has not been compromised. It remains operational and is proceeding to the nearest port.

Another vessel, sailing under the flag of the Comoros Islands and carrying soybeans, was hit near the port of Odesa, the minister said.

“As a result of the attack, sadly, one crew member — a citizen of Syria — has been killed. This is a horrific war crime. Rescue units have been dispatched to the scene,” Kuleba wrote.