Russia attacks Ukrainian seaport, damaging civilian ship

The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine reported.

The attack specifically targeted the civilian vessel PARESA, sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was loaded with grain for export. The incident happened near a berth in the Pivdennyi seaport.

Preliminary reports indicate that none of the 15 crew members, who are citizens of Egypt and Syria, were injured. The vessel was carrying approximately 6,000 tons of Ukrainian grain.

Oleksii Kuleba, Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, noted that this marks the 20th civilian vessel to be damaged by Russian attacks. He added that just a few weeks prior, Russia had attacked a ship transporting wheat to Egypt.

“This is nothing more than Russia's attempt to undermine the successful operation of the Ukrainian Sea Corridor and threaten global food security,” Kuleba stated.

Meanwhile, the Russians have claimed they hit military cargo. 

The ministry emphasized that despite ongoing Russian shelling and strikes, the Ukrainian Sea Corridor continues to operate around the clock. Over the past year, more than 70 million tons of cargo have been exported, with over 2,500 ships having left Ukrainian ports bound for countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• On September 12, the Russian army fired a missile at a civilian ship carrying wheat en route to Egypt. No people were injured in the attack.