Russian strike on cargo ship in Ukraine’s Odesa region kills captain, say authorities

A Russian strike on a cargo ship in Ukraine's Odesa region resulted in the death of its captain, according to authorities. The vessel, which was flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was present in the Black Sea when it came under attack. The Odesa region's head, Oleg Kiper, confirmed that the captain, a Ukrainian national, was killed during the assault.

The Ukrainian Sea Port Authority reported that the ship was targeted while it was underway in the Black Sea. Since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, at least 226 civilian and commercial vessels have been hit in the Black Sea, with 70% of the attacks occurring within the first eight months of the ongoing conflict.

Turkey has made a proposal to Russia and Ukraine to cease strikes on civilian ships; however, the two antagonists have not yet complied with the suggestion.