Key Facts
• December 13: Ukrainian Navy accuses Russia of attacking Turkish ship in Black Sea.
• Turkish ship ‘VIVA’ was transporting sunflower oil to Egypt during the attack.
• Drone strike caused damage but no injuries among the 11 crew members.
• Ship continued its journey despite water accumulation on the deck.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it a threat to global food security.
• Incident occurred in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone along a grain corridor.
• December 12: Turkish President Erdogan urged Russian President Putin to halt attacks on ports.
• Two consecutive days of attacks on Turkish vessels reported.
Summary
On December 13, the Ukrainian Navy accused Russia of using drones to attack the Turkish ship ‘VIVA’ in the Black Sea. The vessel, carrying sunflower oil to Egypt, sustained damage but continued its journey without injuries to its 11 crew members. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, labeling it a direct challenge to global food security and vowing a coordinated response with international partners. The incident occurred within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone along a vital grain corridor. This attack followed a meeting on December 12 between Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin, where Erdogan called for an end to strikes on ports and energy facilities. Despite this, Turkish ships faced attacks for two consecutive days, escalating tensions in the region.
