Ukraine has charged Russia with attacking a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. This accusation follows an incident that left two people dead aboard a ship near Romania’s coastline, as reported by Romanian authorities on Monday.
The Romanian interior ministry confirmed that a complex rescue mission involving coast guard ships and a helicopter saved 11 crew members. The incident occurred within Romania’s exclusive economic zone when a fire broke out on the commercial vessel at around 11 a.m., according to a government statement. The vessel was located approximately 30 nautical miles south of Sfântul Gheorghe. This town borders the Black Sea, just south of where Romania meets Ukraine.
Romanian media specified that the event occurred close to an offshore oil and gas rig near the coast. However, Romanian officials have not detailed what ignited the fire. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of orchestrating a “horrific strike” using two drones against a civilian vessel in neutral waters. He stated that the ship’s captain died, with Azerbaijani and Indian citizens among those on board the Turkish-owned vessel transporting corn.
The Royad Mammadov was identified by Romania’s naval authority, noting the ship’s captain was injured and 13 crew members were missing. Tracking showed the vessel was built in 2006 and headed to Ravenna, Italy. The cargo ship sailed under the St Kitts and Nevis flag as per VesselFinder.com information.
Romania frequently deals with Russian drones infringing on its airspace during attacks on Ukrainian ports in the region. The two countries share roughly 400 miles of border, and the Ukrainian port of Izmail lies close to Romanian land, divided by the Danube River.
“Russia consistently chooses terror and sinking civilian vessels instead of normal maritime navigation,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the need for pressure to restore global food security. The Black Sea region has seen accusations from both Moscow and Ukraine over attacks on grain and agricultural shipping, raising global food security concerns.
As per experts, Russia has intensified its attacks on grain-transporting ships from Ukrainian ports over the summer of 2026. In response, Ukraine targeted the Russian port city of Novorossiysk in mid-August, prompting Russia to alter its grain export routes. Currently, about 40 percent of Russia’s exported grain moves through Novorossiysk.
This is a developing story that will see updates as more information becomes available.