Ukraine Strikes 5 Sea of Azov Vessels Carrying Grain, Fuel and Military Cargo
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Ukraine Strikes 5 Sea of Azov Vessels Carrying Grain, Fuel and Military Cargo
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Summary
Five vessels were hit overnight near Mariupol, Berdyansk and other Russian-occupied coastal waters, with Ukraine saying they were operating illegally and concealing their identities by painting over names and switching off radars.
Ukraine's drone forces commander said the ships were being used to steal Ukrainian grain and move fuel and military cargo, framing the strikes as an effort to disrupt logistics in occupied territories.
The claim came after Azerbaijan said drone attacks on two cargo ships in Taganrog Bay killed five Azerbaijani nationals and injured three; Russia blamed Ukraine, while Kyiv did not immediately address that allegation.
The maritime strikes coincided with a wider escalation: Ukrainian officials reported at least 13 people killed and more than 70 injured in Russian attacks over the past day, including four deaths at a dairy factory near Kyiv.
The attacks also landed as Zelensky pressed for direct talks with Putin and a ceasefire, a proposal the Kremlin said Putin had received but has so far resisted on key terms.