Russian drones strike civilian ship in Black Sea, killing two Azerbaijani citizens

The Foreign Ministry said the two injured citizens were taken to a hospital in Chornomorsk, Odesa Oblast.

The ministry said it is taking steps to repatriate the injured after they undergo medical examinations and treatment, provide them with the necessary consular assistance and process documents related to those killed.

Situation in the Black Sea

In July 2026, Russian forces significantly intensified attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure and civilian shipping. A strike on the Golden Leo, which killed 10 people, as well as attacks on the Gas Lisbon tanker and the Golden Rose bulk carrier, prompted shipping companies to suspend operations at Odesa ports. Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports continued in August.

According to Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi, Russian strikes temporarily halted vessels from entering Ukrainian seaports beginning July 22. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Aug. 24 that Russia had failed to completely block the Black Sea shipping corridor.

Ukraine recorded 35 Russian attacks on vessels in ports, 22 attacks on ships at sea and 67 strikes on port infrastructure in July. Bloomberg estimated that the attacks could cost Ukraine about 2% of its gross domestic product.

Reuters reported Aug. 13 that Ukraine had sent Russia a proposal through a third party to mutually halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Aug. 14 that Moscow did not consider it appropriate to return to the 2022-2023 Black Sea initiative or suspend hostilities in the Black Sea.

On Aug. 31, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara had prepared a plan for the safe passage of grain through the Black Sea and had contacted Ukraine and Russia about the proposal.