Russian strike kills 1 on Liberian-flagged cargo ship in Black Sea

Russian forces attacked a civilian cargo ship sailing under the Liberian flag near Odesa on Oct. 3, killing one sailor and injuring three others, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. The authority stated that 13 other crew members were evacuated from the vessel.

"This is yet another deliberate attack by Russia on civilian shipping," the Sea Ports Authority said. "Russia continues to terrorize the peaceful merchant fleet and sailors who risk their lives every day to ensure the operation of Ukrainian maritime routes."

The attack occurs amid international calls for Russia to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea and allow the passage of grain exports. While the Black Sea is not officially blocked, vessels are avoiding Ukraine due to fear of missile strikes. Since June, Moscow has intensified attacks on civilian ships and port facilities, while Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries, the shadow fleet, and dual-use logistics hubs.

Ukraine established its own Black Sea maritime corridor in August 2023, following Russia's withdrawal from a U.N.- and Turkey-brokered grain deal. Since then, Russia has regularly targeted ports and civilian shipping. On Sept. 17, a Russian drone attacked a Tanzania-flagged civilian vessel en route to a Ukrainian port, killing the ship's captain and injuring three crew members, according to Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry. On Sept. 12, Ukraine's Navy reported that a Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel destroyed a Russian naval drone in the Black Sea, describing it as the "first-ever naval battle" between unmanned boats.