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Ukraine said Friday that Russia struck two civilian cargo ships off its southern coast in the Black Sea, killing a Syrian crew member and injuring another.
One of the vessels was en route to load grain at the southern port of Chornomorsk, while the other was hit near the port of Odesa while transporting soybeans, Ukraine’s restoration minister said.
Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said on Telegram that the bulk carriers Wael K and Ladonna were struck in a drone attack.
The Wael K, located off the port of Chornomorsk, was sailing toward the port when it was hit. The Syrian second captain of the 8,000-deadweight-ton vessel was killed, and another crew member was injured, Ukrainian officials said.
“Unfortunately, the attack resulted in the death of a crew member, a Syrian citizen,” Kuleba said.
The Wael K is part of the fleet of Istanbul-based Spanish Atlantic Maritime and is managed by Istanbul-based İstmarine Ship Management, according to shipping data.
The second vessel, the 22,000-deadweight-ton Ladonna, was loading soybeans at Odesa port at the time of the attack. It belongs to the fleet of Mersin-based TK Majestic Marine and is operated by Wuhan-based Hubei Qintai Shipping.
“This is yet another example of Russia deliberately targeting civilian objects, international shipping, and food logistics,” Kuleba said.
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Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of attacking cargo vessels transporting food products to and from its ports in the Black Sea.
Last month, Kyiv blamed Moscow for attacks on two Turkish cargo ferries—one carrying sunflower oil and another transporting fresh fruits, vegetables and other food supplies.
Türkiye last month warned of a “worrying escalation” in the Black Sea following reports of naval drone attacks on Russia-linked tankers in the area.
During face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a “limited ceasefire” on attacks targeting ports and energy infrastructure in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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