Photo: t.me.MinDevUA
A Russian strike hit a merchant vessel that was unloading mineral fertilizers at a Ukrainian port, killing three crew members after the ship's superstructure was struck and caught fire.
According to Ukraine's Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, the vessel was sailing under the flag of Togo and was docked at the port when the attack occurred.
Casualties
The strike ignited a fire in the ship's superstructure.
- Three crew members were killed.
- Five others were injured and taken to hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment.
The ministry said such attacks endanger international shipping, undermine the stability of global trade, and pose a threat to global food security.
Previous attacks on civilian vessels
On June 22, Russia attacked the Turkish-owned merchant vessel VICTRESS, sailing under the Panamanian flag, with drones. The strike sparked a fire on board, killing a 58-year-old cook, while eight other crew members were evacuated on a liferaft.
During the same attack, merchant vessels sailing under the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged.
Earlier, on June 19, Russian drones struck two civilian vessels in the Black Sea flying the flags of Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis. One crew member was killed aboard the Panamanian vessel, two others were injured, while three sailors aboard the second ship sustained minor injuries.
