Ukraine Accuses Russia of Missile Strike on Grain Vessel

Ukraine accused Russia of using strategic bombers to attack a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea, escalating tensions near NATO member Romania. The vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt was hit after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters, causing damage but no casualties. The incident has heightened concerns over the global food supply.

Ukraine has accused Russia of escalating tensions by using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the vessel, which was transporting Ukrainian grain to Egypt, was hit by a missile after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters.

There were no immediate comments from Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has described the strike as 'a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security.' Ukraine's navy stated that Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers had launched multiple cruise missiles late on Wednesday night.

This is the first time since the start of Moscow's invasion in 2022 that a missile has struck a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea. The incident has further strained relations, as NATO allies consider deeper strikes into Russia and global wheat prices surge due to tightened supply concerns. The vessel, identified as the Aya bulk carrier, sustained significant damage to its port side.

(With inputs from agencies.)