Ukrainian officials have confirmed that at least one person has been killed following a Russian missile strike on a Liberian-flagged civilian vessel entering the Black Sea port of Odesa. The attack, reportedly carried out by an anti-ship missile, resulted in the death of a 43-year-old harbor pilot, with three Filipino crew members and a port worker sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred on Wednesday while the ship was moored at the port. The injured individuals, including the hospitalized crew member, were swiftly attended to. According to Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, the targeted vessel was en route to China, transporting iron ore.
This latest strike marks the 21st assault on the port infrastructure since Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Agreement in July. Recent airstrikes have inflicted substantial damage on the region, including a historic museum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to combat Russian aggression, despite acknowledging the challenges faced on the front lines.
The Ukrainian army has revealed that the Russian missile strike, believed to be an H-31P, was fired from a Russian aircraft flying over the Black Sea. The attack has intensified concerns over the safety of vessels entering Ukrainian ports, prompting Ukraine to establish a temporary “humanitarian corridor” to ensure the security of civilian ships.
As tensions escalate, the European Union has recommended initiating formal membership talks with Ukraine, underscoring its support for Kyiv in its ongoing struggle against Russian incursions.
