Key facts
- Five Azerbaijani citizens were killed and three injured in attacks on two cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov.
- The attacks occurred in Taganrog Bay.
- Ukraine claimed its drones struck five ships involved in stealing grain and transferring military cargo.
- The attacked vessels had Azerbaijani crew members but were not Azerbaijani-owned.
- Russia stated the vessels were sailing from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don when attacked.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry reported that five of its citizens were killed and three others injured in attacks on two cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov. The ministry stated that the crews of the vessels, which were hit in Taganrog Bay, included a total of 25 Azerbaijani citizens, but the ships themselves were not Azerbaijani-owned. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated that the vessels, the Natra and Zircon, were sailing from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don when they came under attack from Ukrainian drones. Russia accused Ukraine of a terrorist act, stating the Kyiv regime increasingly targets civilians and civilian infrastructure. Earlier on Friday, Ukraine announced that its drones had targeted five ships in the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk, as well as in the coastal waters of Russian-controlled territories. Robert Brovdi, the commander of Ukrainian drone forces, claimed that his drones had successfully hit dry cargo ships and a tanker. He stated these vessels were involved in the 'stealing' of Ukrainian grain and the transfer of military cargo and fuel, noting that the ships had their names painted over and their radars turned off. Russia's Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences to the families of those killed and stated it was in contact with Azerbaijani authorities.