Russia's Missile Strike on Grain Vessel Escalates Black Sea Tensions

Ukraine accused Russia of using strategic bombers to attack a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea, near Romania. The vessel, en route to Egypt, sustained damage but reported no casualties. The incident has escalated tensions with NATO and raised concerns about global food security.

In a significant escalation of Black Sea tensions, Ukraine has accused Russia of deploying strategic bombers to attack a civilian grain vessel en route to Egypt. The missile strike, which occurred just after the vessel left Ukrainian territorial waters, resulted in damage but no casualties.

The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine condemned the attack, attributing it to Russia, while a United Nations spokesperson highlighted the ongoing threat to civilian vessels in the region. The strike's location and timing have amplified concerns over global food security and freedom of navigation.

This attack marks the first time a civilian grain vessel has been targeted since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy continues to rally international support, particularly from the Global South, and the incident has impacted wheat prices and stirred broader geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)