Ukraine Strongly Condemns Russian Naval Attack on Turkish Cargo Ship in Black Sea

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has vehemently denounced Russia's "provocative" military actions in the Black Sea against the Turkish cargo ship "Sukru Okan" on August 13th. The vessel was en route to the port of Izmail. Ukraine calls on the international community to take decisive countermeasures.

This firm stance was articulated in an official statement from Ukraine's foreign affairs department.

"The Russian Navy has blatantly violated the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other norms of international law. Such actions are another example of Russia's deliberate policy to threaten the freedom of navigation and security of maritime trade in the Black Sea. We express support and solidarity with Turkey, our strategic partner, and urge the international community to take resolute actions to prevent Russia's activities that hinder the peaceful passage of vessels in the Black Sea," emphasized the Ministry.

"Russia must be prevented from obstructing international routes in the Black Sea, especially those leading to Ukrainian seaports," the statement further noted.

Ukraine's Black Sea Grain Initiative plays a pivotal role in supporting global food security.

Recalling the incident, on August 13th, the Russian military fleet opened fire on the Turkish cargo ship in the Black Sea. The vessel was heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. The shooting was carried out by Russians from an automatic cannon aboard a Russian military vessel. An inspection team was dispatched to the Turkish ship from a Russian military helicopter. Russia justifies its use of force by claiming that the ship failed to respond to warnings to halt. This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defence. The incident occurred in neutral waters in the western part of the Black Sea. The Turkish ship is affiliated with Istanbul but operates under a "convenient flag" - the flag of the offshore state of Palau.

The Russian Ministry of Defence's statement was also responded to by "Pivden" (Southern) Design Bureau, cautioning that Russia may attempt to create an impression of controlling the waters of the Black Sea.

"The guarantees of the UN or Turkey, being a powerful NATO player and a Black Sea country, were sufficient for the operation of a fully functional grain corridor. In such conditions, Ukraine's Defence Forces were capable of ensuring the safety of vessels transporting grains," stated Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson of "South" Operational Command. She added that today, what we witness is simply a demonstration of aggression from the Russian Ministry of Defence.