The tanker had been waiting to enter a Ukrainian port for a load of vegetable oil, Kuleba said. Russia also attacked a San Marino-flagged ship exporting corn; no one was hurt and the vessel was able to continue its voyage.
“This is further proof that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian vessels, international trade and maritime security,” Kuleba wrote in a Telegram post.
“Despite the relentless terror from the aggressor, Ukraine continues to operate its ports and meet its international obligations.”
On Jan. 9, Russia launched drones at two civilian vessels under foreign flags near Ukraine’s shores, killing a Syrian crew member.
On Nov. 29, 2025, NV sources within Ukraine’s SBU security service confirmed that SBU’s Sea Baby naval drones, in coordination with Ukraine’s Navy, had carried out the attack on sanctioned KAIRO and VIRAT tankers in the Black Sea.