Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Today, two Russian drones struck a Turkish-owned civilian vessel carrying corn in neutral waters of the Black Sea. The captain was killed, one crew member was injured, and another remains missing. Eleven crew members were rescued. Azerbaijani and Indian nationals were among the crew. 

Freedom of navigation cannot depend on whether Moscow decides to respect it on any given day. Nor can global food security depend on whether civilian vessels make it through the Black Sea without being attacked by Russian drones.

“Corn” may sound like just another cargo. But for vulnerable families in countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that depend on Ukrainian food imports, blocking such vessels may lead to catastrophic consequences including acute food insecurity, malnutrition, or even hunger. 

This Russian attack on a Turkish-owned vessel is particularly cynical given that Türkiye has invested significant diplomatic effort in de-escalation, peace efforts, and Black Sea security. 

Ukraine has repeatedly proposed concrete steps to make navigation safer. Russia has responded by widening the geography of its attacks. This pattern will continue until the cost of escalation becomes higher than the benefit Moscow expects from it. 

That means stronger pressure on Russia, greater protection for civilian shipping and maritime routes, and accountability for attacks on vessels and crews. Every maritime nation has an interest in drawing that line now — before Russia moves it again".