In the Black Sea, Russian Missile Attacks Grain Carrier in Romania's Economic Zone

On 12 September, Russia launched a missile attack in the Black Sea against a civilian cargo ship carrying wheat for Egypt. It happened in Romania's economic zone.

This was reported on social media by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Reuters.

‘A Russian missile against a cargo of wheat for Egypt. Today's attack in the Black Sea was on an ordinary civilian ship immediately after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters. According to preliminary data, fortunately, there were no casualties,’ the Ukrainian president wrote on Facebook.

Zelenskyy reminded that Ukraine is one of the key global donors of food security and that the internal stability and lives of dozens of countries in different parts of the world depend on the normal operation of its export food corridor.

‘We are waiting for the world's reaction. Wheat and food security should never be a target for missiles,’ he added.

The Romanian Coast Guard confirmed that on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, a Russian missile hit the Aya ship with a cargo of grain heading from Ukraine to Egypt in the country's economic zone.

According to the ministry, at around 23:00 local time, about 55 km from the Romanian port of Sfantu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta, the vessel reported an explosion on board to the local coastguard post.

The vessel maintained its course and managed to reach the major port of Constanta.

British maritime security company Ambrey reported that the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier was hit by a missile launched from Russia after leaving the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in Odesa region.

The vessel sustained damage to the port side, including the cargo hold and crane, the report said.

An industry source told Reuters that the strike occurred near the mouth of the Danube River.