The vessel, flagged under Saint Kitts and Nevis, was reportedly hit by a Russian Iskander-M missile, with Russian officials claiming the ship was carrying ammunition from Europe. Nearby videos captured a large explosion, but no injuries have been reported thus far.

British maritime security consultancy Ambrey has assessed the attack as a significant escalation, warning that vessels docking at Ukrainian ports face an increased risk of direct strikes by Russian forces. Ambrey also cautioned that retaliation by Ukraine is possible, placing ships calling at Russian Black Sea ports at heightened risk of physical damage.

This incident marks the third commercial vessel to be struck by Russian forces in the Black Sea in less than a month, following a year without any merchant ships being targeted.

Editor: Kemal Can Kayar