Russian forces have attacked a merchant vessel carrying Ukrainian wheat in the Black Sea off the coast of Odessa region, killing one crew member and injuring three others, according to Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper.
Kiper said Russian forces continue to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea. This time, the strike hit a Guinea-Bissau-flagged bulk carrier loaded with Ukrainian wheat.
"The vessel's hull was damaged and a fire broke out on board. Unfortunately, one person was killed and three others were injured," Kiper said.
The crew was evacuated safely to shore, and the injured are receiving all necessary medical assistance.
Kiper said the attack once again demonstrates "the systematic and cynical nature of Russian terror" and underscores the threat Russia poses not only to civilian lives but also to global food security.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority later confirmed that the crew member killed in the attack was a Ukrainian citizen.
According to Ukraine's Ministry for Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure, Russian forces carried out five attacks on port infrastructure facilities, three attacks on civilian vessels in ports, and two attacks on ships sailing through the Ukrainian maritime corridor during the first days of August alone.
In July, authorities recorded 67 attacks on port infrastructure, 35 attacks on civilian vessels in ports, and 22 attacks on ships operating along the Ukrainian maritime corridor.
