Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of targeting a civilian grain vessel with strategic bombers in the Black Sea near Romania, which is a NATO member. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that a Russian missile struck the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt just after it exited Ukrainian waters. No casualties were reported.
The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine condemned the attack and held Russia accountable. The United Nations described the incident as a stark reminder of ongoing threats to civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Russia has not yet commented.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strike a blatant attack on freedom of navigation and global food security. Ukraine’s navy stated that Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers launched several cruise missiles at 11:02 p.m. local time on Wednesday. This is the first reported missile strike on a civilian grain vessel at sea since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, though some ships have been damaged in port attacks.
Russia Attacked NATO Today
A Russian 🇷🇺 anti-ship missile attacked a Turkish ship carrying 26,550 tons of grain from Ukraine headed to Egypt
The ship was in 🇷🇴 Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea.
What will #NATO do?
What about Turkey 🇹🇷 ?#MOG8 pic.twitter.com/l38ZLKCIMT— Michael O’Grady (@mog7546) September 12, 2024
The attack comes as Zelenskiy seeks to garner support from the Global South, including Egypt, to back Ukraine in the conflict. The strike coincides with debates over whether NATO allies will permit Ukraine to conduct deeper strikes into Russia, a move Moscow has warned against.
The West has accused Iran of escalating the conflict by supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier was hit by a Russian missile after leaving Chornomorsk port in Ukraine’s Odesa region. The ship, identified as the Aya bulk carrier, suffered damage to its port side, including a cargo hold and crane.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink condemned the attack on X, calling it a blatant violation of international law that threatens global food security. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must cease.
Ship tracking data showed the vessel’s last position near the Romanian port of Constanta. The vessel’s manager, VRS Maritime Services, was not immediately available for comment.
Traders noted that the incident has driven stronger wheat prices due to concerns over tightening supply in the Black Sea export zone. U.S. futures rose as much as 2%, reaching a two-month high.
Zelenskiy shared images showing the damaged crane and other destruction. An industry source indicated the strike occurred near the mouth of the Danube River. Ukraine’s navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed the vessel was in Romania’s maritime economic zone. Romania’s Naval Authority stated the vessel was not in its territorial waters and no assistance was requested.
Zelenskiy reiterated on X that wheat and food security should never be missile targets. Ukraine, a major global grain exporter, has struggled to resume exports through the Black Sea due to Russia’s invasion. Exports were later revived from three Odesa ports under a U.N.-Turkey mediated deal, which collapsed last year.
In August 2023, Ukraine established its own shipping corridor without Russia’s approval. This corridor, protected by naval drones and long-range weapons, follows the western Black Sea coast past Romania and Bulgaria.
What Other Media Are Saying
- RFE/RL reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claims a Russian missile struck a civilian grain vessel carrying wheat, bound for Egypt, in the Black Sea, with no casualties reported.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Russia attack a grain vessel near Romania?
Yes, Russia struck a civilian grain vessel near Romania with a missile.
Were there any casualties in the missile attack on the grain vessel?
No, there were no casualties reported in the attack.
How did the U.S. respond to the missile attack on the grain vessel?
The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine strongly condemned the attack and held Russia responsible.
What was the impact of the missile strike on wheat prices?
The incident contributed to stronger wheat prices, with U.S. futures rising up to 2%.
What did Zelenskiy say about the attack on the grain vessel?
Zelenskiy called it a ‘brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security’.