Ukraine Accuses Russia of Striking Grain Vessel in Black Sea

Ukraine accused Russia of using bombers to attack a grain vessel in the Black Sea, escalating tensions with NATO. The incident caused no casualties but damaged the ship. Ukrainian officials condemned it as an attack on global food security. The event stoked fears of further conflicts and impacted grain prices.

Ukraine has accused Russia of employing strategic bombers to target a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea, near NATO member Romania, heightening tensions between Moscow and the military alliance. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the ship, en route to Egypt, was hit overnight by a Russian missile after departing Ukrainian territorial waters. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

Russia has yet to comment on the incident. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled the attack a bold assault on freedom of navigation and global food security. Zelenskiy confirmed a missile strike, while Ukraine's navy attributed the attack to Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers launching multiple cruise missiles.

This marks the first missile attack on a civilian grain vessel since Moscow's invasion began in February 2022. While ships have suffered damage at Ukrainian ports, this incident further tests NATO allies, as they consider allowing Ukraine to carry out deeper strikes into Russian territory, a move warned by Moscow to elicit a response. The strike has also influenced global wheat prices, adding concerns over supply disruptions in the Black Sea export area.

(With inputs from agencies.)