Ukraine says Russian drone attack hit civilian Turkish vessel


  • World
  • Sunday, 14 Dec 2025

KYIV, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Ukraine's navy accused Russia of deliberately attacking a civilian Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt with a drone on Saturday, a day after Moscow hit two Ukrainian ports.

In a statement on Telegram, the navy said the vessel was called the Viva and had 11 Turkish citizens on board. It added that nobody was hurt and the vessel was continuing its journey to Egypt.

"The strike was carried out in the open sea in Ukraine's exclusive economic zone, outside the range of Ukrainian air defence systems," the statement said, accusing Russia of breaching maritime laws.

The navy said it was in contact with the ship's captain.

On Friday, Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels, according to Ukraine's navy. A large fire broke out on one of those ships.

The attacks come after Moscow threatened to "cut Ukraine off from the sea" after Kyiv's attacks damaged three 'shadow fleet' tankers heading to Russia to export its oil.

(Reporting by Max Hunder. Editing by Mark Potter)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Italy protests, recalls ambassador to Switzerland after New Year's bar fire suspect released
Immigration raids in Minnesota fuel grassroots Somali activism
Hungary's opposition taps energy expert to lead foreign policy ahead of vote
Suicide bombing at Pakistan wedding kills 7, police say
Russian airstrikes pound Ukraine amid US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Nearly 6,000 buildings in Kyiv without heat after Russian attack
Syrian troops, Kurdish forces poised on front lines as truce deadline looms
Karachi mall inferno came after ignored warnings, delayed response
Iran says two Islamic State linked men executed for 2023 bus bombing
US judge extends deportation protections for migrants from Myanmar

Others Also Read