Russia hits ship with wheat, Zelenskyy emphasizes need for food security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this.

"A Russian missile hit a cargo of wheat for Egypt. Today's strike in the Black Sea was on an ordinary civilian vessel immediately after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters. According to preliminary data, fortunately, there were no casualties," he wrote.

The president emphasized that Ukraine is one of the key global contributors to food security.

"The internal stability and life of dozens of countries in different parts of the world depend on the normal and unhindered operation of our export food corridor," Zelenskyy emphasized.

He assured that Ukraine will do everything possible to protect its ports, the Black Sea, and food supplies to the global market.

"We expect the world to react. Wheat and food security should never be a target for missiles," the president summarized.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacts

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha‎, in turn, said that Kyiv would inform the UN and the International Maritime Organization about this crime.

"This Russian attack is a brazen assault on freedom of navigation and global food security, in violation of UN General Assembly Resolution A.1183. Ukraine will immediately notify the United Nations and inform the International Maritime Organization of this crime. We call on our partners to respond decisively," the diplomat said.

• Last year, Russia also launched a missile attack on a civilian vessel in a Ukrainian port in the Black Sea.