Ukraine reported on Monday that a Russian missile strike had damaged a civilian ship flying the Saint Kitts and Nevis flag. The vessel, loaded with Ukrainian corn, was hit in the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi on October 6.
Damage and Casualties
According to Ukraine’s Restoration Ministry, the vessel was carrying approximately 6,000 tons of corn. Fortunately, none of the 15 crew members—who are citizens of Egypt and Syria—were injured in the attack.
“Fortunately, none of the crew members were injured,” the ministry said on Facebook. “This is a completely civilian cargo.”
Impact on Global Food Security
The Ukrainian government has condemned the attack, citing it as part of Russia’s efforts to disrupt Ukraine’s maritime food corridor. This incident marks the 20th civilian vessel damaged by Russian attacks since the beginning of the conflict.
“This is nothing more than Russia’s attempts to influence the successful operation of the Ukrainian maritime food corridor and endanger global food security,” Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba stated.
Despite Ukraine’s claims, Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilian ships during the conflict.
