September 13, 2023
1 min read

Russia targeted civilian cargo ship in Black Sea, says UK

The Black Sea has become increasingly contested after Russia in July pulled out of a UN- and Turkey-brokered grain deal, which aimed to ensure safe navigation for civilian ships…reports Asian Lite News

Russia’s military targeted a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea with “multiple missiles” last month but they were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian forces, UK said on Monday citing intelligence.

A vessel in Russia’s Black Sea fleet fired the missiles, which included two Kalibr cruise missiles, towards the southern Ukrainian port of Odessa on August 24, according to the UK government.

Declassified intelligence has revealed that the intended target was a Liberian-flagged cargo ship berthed there, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

It added that Ukrainian air defences thwarted the attack on the civilian vessel, with neither of the Kalibr missiles hitting their target.

“Despite its failure, this is a clear demonstration of Russia’s continuing attempts to choke Ukraine’s economy,” the FCDO said in a statement.

It accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “disregard for the lives of civilians” and of trying to “weaponise food and innocent trade at the expense of the rest of the world”.

The Black Sea has become increasingly contested after Russia in July pulled out of a UN- and Turkey-brokered grain deal, which aimed to ensure safe navigation for civilian ships.

Moscow has since repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s port infrastructure, in what Kyiv says is a cynical attempt to damage its exports and undermine global food security.

Referencing the alleged August 24 targeting of the civilian ship while making a statement in parliament about last weekend’s G20 summit, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it showed “just how desperate Putin is”.

He added that Russian attacks on Ukrainian sites had destroyed more than 270,000 tonnes of grain, noting that was “enough to feed a million people for a year”.

“Ukraine has the right to export its goods through international waters and they have the moral right to ship grain that is helping feed the world,” Sunak said.

ALSO READ-Sunak on a slippery slope

Previous Story

OPEC sticks to oil demand growth forecasts

Next Story

WTO Urges Re-globalisation Amid Early Signs of Fragmentation

Latest from -Top News

U.S. Raises Alarm for Americans in Pakistan

Earlier, the US Department of State had issued a travel advisory in March, also urging its citizens to “reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”…reports Asian Lite

Khawaja Asif: Peace Only If India Backs Down

The Indian strikes and Islamabad’s retaliation has jolted locals who fear that it could potentially lead to a full-scale war between the two countries…reports Asian Lite Ndews Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

India Rising, Pakistan Crumbling

Pakistan is on the verge of economic collapse and is surviving on IMF loans, with its forex reserves down to $15 billion…reports Asian Lite News While Pakistan has threatened to respond forcefully

Israel backs India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

The military operation struck camps and logistical hubs linked to terror groups held responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam attack…reports Asian Lite News Israel has voiced strong support for India’s right to defend
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Russian jet collides with US drone over the Black Sea

The incident is likely to increase tensions between the two

Russia to evacuate citizens from Europe

The agencies advised Russians in Europe to register in the