Photo: The crew of a foreign vessel after being fired upon by Russia (Ukrainian Navy)
On the night of June 22, Russia launched drone attacks targeting civilian merchant ships heading for Ukrainian ports, including vessels described as Turkish, Palau, and Belize ships in the Black Sea, News.Az reports, citing RBC-Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Navy and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, a fire broke out on the Turkish-owned vessel VICTRESS.
The dry cargo ship was sailing under the Panamanian flag, although it is owned by Türkiye. After a drone struck the vessel, a fire erupted on board, and the ship sustained significant damage.
The Ukrainian Navy began rescue operations for the ship’s crew, but one person did not survive.
“Unfortunately, a crew member, a 58-year-old cook, was killed. We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The other eight sailors were evacuated on a life raft,” the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) stated.
❗️Russia strikes Turkish, Palau, and Belize ships in Black Sea, Ukrainian Navy evacuates crew
📹: Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority pic.twitter.com/152udPiyHC
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) June 22, 2026
Civilian vessels flying the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged as a result of the Russian attack. There were no casualties, and the vessels continued on their way.
“Targeted strikes against the civilian merchant fleet and maritime infrastructure constitute a gross violation of international law and further evidence that Russia is deliberately jeopardizing the safety of international shipping,” the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority notes.
Recently, the Ukrainian Navy struck two Russian patrol boats that were guarding the Kerch Bridge.
A unit of the Ukrainian Navy struck the sanctioned vessel MARQUISE near Tuapse with maritime drones.
News.Az
By Nijat Babayev
