The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
On December 13, the forces of the aggressor state struck the civilian vessel VIVA, sailing under the Turkish flag to Egypt via the grain corridor with a cargo of sunflower oil, using a drone.
This was reported by the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Attack in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone
According to the Ukrainian Navy, the strike was carried out in the open sea — within Ukraine’s exclusive maritime economic zone, outside the coverage area of Ukrainian air defense systems. There were 11 citizens of the Republic of Türkiye on board the vessel.
The Navy emphasized that the attack was deliberate and constitutes another violation of international maritime law by Russia.
The Ukrainian Navy noted that Russia’s actions directly contradict the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and constitute a gross violation of international maritime law, in particular the San Remo Manual.
According to official information, none of the crew members were injured as a result of the attack. The vessel continues sailing to its destination port in Egypt.
Navy response
The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stressed that through such actions Russia is deliberately challenging international law and the safety of maritime navigation.
