Ukraine‘s navy has accused Russia of deliberately attacking a civilian Turkish vessel with a drone on Saturday. The incident reportedly involved the vessel “Viva,” which was transporting sunflower oil to Egypt. This alleged strike occurred a day after Russia conducted attacks on two Ukrainian ports, adding to the ongoing tensions in the region.
Allegations of a Deliberate Strike
The Ukrainian navy released a statement on Telegram detailing the alleged drone attack. According to their account, the target was the “Viva,” a civilian ship. This accusation highlights a potential escalation in the targeting of non-military vessels within the conflict zone.
Ukraine's navy accused Russia of a deliberate drone attack on Saturday against the civilian Turkish vessel "Viva," transporting sunflower oil to Egypt. This incident, following Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports, intensifies maritime conflict and raises concerns for civilian shipping safety in the Black Sea.
Vessel and Crew Details
Authorities identified the vessel as the “Viva,” sailing under a Turkish flag. At the time of the alleged drone strike, 11 Turkish citizens were reportedly on board. The ship’s cargo of sunflower oil underscores its civilian nature and economic purpose, heading towards Egypt.
Broader Context of Maritime Conflict
This alleged drone attack follows a series of recent maritime incidents in the Black Sea. Just the day before, Russia carried out strikes on two Ukrainian ports. These events collectively point to an intensifying conflict impacting critical shipping routes and civilian maritime operations.
Impact on Civilian Shipping
The targeting of a civilian vessel, if confirmed, raises significant concerns for international maritime safety. Such incidents pose risks to global trade, particularly for essential commodities like sunflower oil. International law typically protects civilian shipping from direct military engagement.
The Ukrainian navy’s accusation places the incident squarely within the broader narrative of the conflict’s impact beyond military targets. Further details regarding the extent of the damage or any casualties have not yet been released.
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