Russian Drones Strike Three Merchant Ships in Black Sea

Russian strike drones targeted three civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea overnight on June 22, 2026. The ships were heading toward ports in the Odesa region, including the port of Chornomorsk. One Panamanian-flagged dry cargo ship caught fire, resulting in the death of an Egyptian crew member born in 1968. The crew of that vessel was evacuated, and the ship remains at anchor.

Two other vessels flying the flags of Palau and Belize were also struck but remained seaworthy with no reported casualties. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, characterized the attacks as war crimes against civilian infrastructure, shipping, and human lives.

One of the targeted vessels, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship owned by a Turkish company, reported two injuries among its Turkish crew. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye announced it is monitoring the condition of the wounded sailors through its embassy in Kyiv and consulate in Odesa. Türkiye subsequently conveyed its concerns to both Russia and Ukraine, stating that such attacks threaten Turkish interests and regional security while urging all parties to prioritize civilian maritime navigation and reduce tensions.