Russia struck a civilian cargo vessel flying the flag of Togo while it was unloading mineral fertilizers, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba said.
The attack hit the vessel’s superstructure, causing a fire onboard. Three crew members were killed, and five others were injured. The wounded sailors were hospitalized and are receiving medical treatment.
Kuleba expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, calling the incident another Russian attack on civilian shipping and Ukraine’s port infrastructure.
“Such attacks threaten the safety of international maritime navigation, the stability of global trade, and the world’s food security,” Kuleba said.
UPDATE 14:50
The number of people injured as a result of the Russian attack on a commercial vessel in the Odessa district has risen to 10. Three more people were killed. All of the victims are crew members.
Seven people have been hospitalized, while three others received medical assistance on an outpatient basis. Law enforcement agencies continue to document the consequences of another Russian war crime against civilian shipping and Ukraine’s port infrastructure.
