A Russian missile attack has damaged a foreign civilian cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian corn at the Pivdennyi port in Odesa, southern Ukraine.
Russia strikes grain ships primarily to pressure Ukraine economically and disrupt global food supplies, particularly affecting countries dependent on Ukrainian grain. In 2023, Ukraine resumed agricultural exports from its key Black Sea ports despite ongoing Russian threats to attack vessels bound for Ukrainian ports.
The vessel, named PARESA and sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was carrying approximately 6,000 tons of Ukrainian corn intended for export, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure.
None of the 15 crew members, who are citizens of Egypt and Syria, were reported injured in the attack.
“This is already the 20th civilian vessel damaged as a result of Russian attacks,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba.
He argued that these strikes are “attempts to influence the successful operation of the Ukrainian Maritime Food Corridor and jeopardize global food security.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure reports that despite ongoing attacks, the Ukrainian Maritime Food Corridor continues to operate.
Over the past year, more than 70 million tons of cargo have been exported through this route, with over 2,500 ships departing Ukrainian ports for countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In addition to maritime targets, Russian forces have also struck border areas. A recent attack on the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast damaged trucks and infrastructure at the Orlivka border crossing with Romania, injuring two drivers.
The State Emergency Service of Odesa Oblast reported that the overnight attack involved both drones and ballistic missiles. In Odesa City, the attack resulted in a fire at a warehouse and damage to a gas pipeline, with one person hospitalized.
Related:
- Ukraine’s key Black Sea ports resume grain shipments despite Russian threats
- Reuters: Grain ship damaged by sea mine off Ukraine coast
- UK intel: Russia’s September missile strike on grain ship likely due to poor targeting
