On September 12, the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service accused Russia of launching a grain vessel attack in the Black Sea, describing the incident as a “brazen” violation of international norms. The vessel, the MV AYA, a Turkish-operated, St Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier, was carrying 26,550 tons of wheat bound for Egypt. The Ukrainian Presidential Press Service condemned the attack, warning that it endangers global food security and freedom of navigation, and shared images of the damage to the ship.
Ukrainian officials claim the vessel was hit by Kh-22 missiles fired from Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers. The MV AYA sustained damage on its port side, affecting its crane and cargo hold, but fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the crew. AIS data showed the ship’s last known position at the port of Constanta, Romania.
If verified, this grain vessel attack in the Black Sea would mark the first instance of such an act since the start of the Russo-Ukraine war in February 2022. The attack took place near the mouth of the Danube River, close to Romania, a NATO member. However, Romanian authorities have denied that the vessel entered their waters or requested assistance.
This incident threatens to severely disrupt Ukraine’s grain exports, a critical supply chain for many countries, particularly Egypt. The ongoing conflict has already placed significant strain on global food security, and this latest escalation adds to the tension between Russia and NATO. The situation is still developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
