Russia has accused Ukraine of intensifying attacks on civilian shipping and agricultural infrastructure in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea, warning that the reported incidents could disrupt international food supplies.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the allegations in a statement on August 12, claiming Ukrainian forces have increasingly used unmanned systems against commercial vessels, ports and logistics facilities throughout the summer.
Moscow Cites Series of Attacks on Merchant Vessels
According to Zakharova, several international commercial vessels carrying or preparing to transport agricultural products have been targeted.
She said Ukrainian drones struck the Belize- and Palau-flagged dry cargo vessels Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov on June 5 as they traveled from Türkiye toward Rostov-on-Don. Russia says five people were killed and three others injured.
Moscow also claimed that at least 100 drone attacks against commercial vessels carrying Russian agricultural products were recorded in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea during July.
Grain Carrier Attacked in Russian Waters
Zakharova highlighted an incident involving the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier MV OMORFI, which she said was transporting grain when it came under attack in Russian territorial waters on July 18.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, an Indian crew member was killed in the incident.
Russia also reported damage to an export grain terminal in Rostov-on-Don between July 25 and 27, followed by damage to the seaport of Taman on July 30.
Turkish-Operated Vessels Also Targeted
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Ukrainian drone attacks continued into August.
On August 3, the Cameroon-flagged vessel Nadezhda, operated by a Turkish company, was reportedly attacked approximately 30 miles from the Russian coast while carrying fruit and vegetables from Samsun, Türkiye, to Novorossiysk.
Russia said four sailors were injured, while the vessel’s engine room sustained damage and a fire broke out onboard.
A separate Turkish dry cargo vessel, Yaşar, was also reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones on the same day.
Moscow Warns of Impact on Global Food Security
Zakharova argued that attacks on commercial vessels and port infrastructure could have consequences beyond the immediate damage and casualties.
According to Moscow, disruptions to established export routes have delayed shipments of grain, oilseeds and animal-feed products destined for international markets.
Russia maintains that its agricultural exports play a significant role in supplying global importers and warned that prolonged disruption could contribute to higher food prices and supply pressures, particularly in developing countries.
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Maritime Security
The Russian Foreign Ministry characterized the reported attacks as having no legitimate military purpose and accused Kyiv of violating international protections for civilian shipping.
Moscow said the attacks threaten the safety of international merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and risk undermining confidence in established maritime trade routes.
The allegations have not been independently verified in this account, and Ukraine’s position on the specific incidents was not included in the Russian statement.
Moscow Says It Is Conducting Security Operations
Russia said its armed forces are taking measures intended to protect navigation in the two seas.
According to Zakharova, Russian forces are conducting what Moscow describes as precision strikes against Ukrainian military facilities involved in maritime operations, as well as infrastructure and vessels allegedly connected to deliveries of Western weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.
She said these operations would continue until Moscow considers the maritime security threats in the region eliminated.
Russia Blames Western Policies for Food Market Pressure
Zakharova further accused Ukraine’s Western supporters of contributing to instability in global food markets.
She argued that Ukrainian attacks, combined with financial, economic and energy restrictions imposed by Western countries, could worsen shortages of grain and fertilizers and raise prices internationally.
Moscow particularly warned that countries in the Global South and East could bear a disproportionate share of the consequences.
Moscow Calls for International Investigation
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on international organizations and relevant multilateral institutions to examine what it described as attacks against civilian shipping and agricultural infrastructure.
Zakharova urged the international community to take measures to prevent further disruption and ensure what Russia described as unhindered exports of agricultural products.
The statement places maritime security and global food supplies at the center of Moscow’s latest criticism of Ukraine’s military strategy in the Black Sea region.
