Summary:
- Russia fires warning shots at cargo ship in the Black Sea, later boarding the vessel.
- Ukraine accuses Russia of launching missiles and drones at Odessa, intensifying tensions.
- Russian navy's actions aim to show control over Black Sea waters after leaving a grain deal.
- Russian military's strained resources may limit its ability to repeat such actions for all ships.
- Ongoing conflict results in civilian casualties, as seen in recent attacks.
Ukraine is strongly condemning what it calls Russia's provocative actions in the Black Sea. Moscow says one of its warships fired warning shots at a cargo ship on Sunday. Soldiers then boarded the ship. The Russians claiming it was headed to Ukraine. Hours later, Kiev accused Moscow of launching a barrage of missiles and drones at Odessa. The port city has been repeatedly targeted by Russian forces throughout the war.
Nick Patein-Walsh reports from Nipro that the Russian navy's actions are sending a bold message. The cargo ship, Sukru Okaan, was boarded by Russian military personnel, accompanied by a Ka-29 helicopter. Video footage was released showing crew members lined up on the ship. Despite Russia claiming the ship was heading to Ismail, it ended up at the Romanian port of Selina, suggesting a move to exert control over the Black Sea waters following its withdrawal from a grain deal. The Russian military's strained resources may limit its ability to repeat this action for all suspicious ships.
Amid Moscow's attempts to demonstrate dominance, it has also faced setbacks such as attacks on its marine vessels by Ukrainian drones. The ongoing conflict continues to impact civilians, as evident from recent incidents causing harm to innocent lives.