Russia strikes civilian ships near Ukrainian ports, killing Syrian crew member Photo

Russian forces targeted civilian ships near Ukrainian ports on January 9, killing a Syrian crew member, Ukrainian officials said.

According to Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery Oleksiy Kuleba, a Russian strike drone hit a ship flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was en route to load grain as part of the Ukrainian grain corridor, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Kuleba described the attack as a "terrible war crime," emphasizsing the deliberate targeting of civilian shipping. He also noted that near the port of Odesa, Russian forces struck a ship sailing under the flag of the Comoros Islands, which was carrying soybeans.

Preliminary information indicates there may be additional casualties, and rescuers have been dispatched to the scene.

The official said the incidents provide further evidence that Russia is intentionally attacking civilian objects, international shipping, and food logistics.

By Sabina Mammadli