A Russian-operated drone struck the civilian ship VIVA, which was transporting sunflower seed oil via the “grain passage”. Eleven Turkish nationals were present aboard the vessel during the assault.
Ship at sea /Illustrative photo
Russia has once more flagrantly disregarded the regulations of war and global maritime legislation through its attack on a non-military ship in the Black Sea. The invaders aimed at the dry-cargo freighter VIVA, which was navigating a mutually agreed-upon marine route.
The incident was communicated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Naval branch.
Strike in the open sea
The offensive took place during the afternoon hours of Saturday, December 13. The VIVA ship was on its way to Egypt carrying sunflower oil. Of importance is the fact that the attack didn’t occur at a harbor, but on the open ocean – within Ukraine's exclusive economic zone.
“The Russian Federation executed a precise strike by means of a UAV… beyond the reach of Ukraine’s protective air systems,” the Navy stated.
This implies the adversary is intentionally selecting targets where civilian vessels are most exposed.
On board are Turkish citizens.
The circumstance of the ship’s personnel being made up of citizens from the Turkish Republic lends additional significance to the circumstance.
“There are 11 nationals of the Turkish Republic on the vessel,” the military announced in a declaration.
The Ukrainian Navy promptly got in contact with the master of the ship. The sea-based search and recovery division was placed on high alert, but luckily, there was no need for an extraction. The crew suffered no injuries, and the ship proceeded on its course toward its intended Egyptian port.
Violation of the rules of warfare
The Ukrainian military emphasizes: such deeds constitute an evident breach of the San Remo Manual on international law applicable in armed conflicts at sea. Russia is purposefully infringing upon the freedom of navigation.
“But Ukraine will not be defeated – we shall endure and protect our freedom and entitlement to a tranquil sea!” – concluded the Navy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As a reminder, a Turkish-owned company’s vessel was harmed in a Russian assault within the port of Chornomorsk the previous day. Ankara expressed that the attack on the Turkish vessel validates its deepest worries concerning the war’s expansion into the Black Sea, and it urged all involved parties to cease attacks against port infrastructure.
Source: tsn.ua