Ukrainian Drones Hit Cargo Ships Killing Azerbaijani Crew

Ukrainian drone forces launched strikes on the night of June 5, 2026, targeting five vessels in the Sea of Azov, including the Belize-flagged Natra and Palau-flagged Zircon. The ships were transiting from Türkiye toward Rostov-on-Don to load grain when they were hit in the Taganrog Bay area. The Natra sustained four hits and required towing, while the Zircon suffered catastrophic superstructure damage and was abandoned by its crew.

Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, claimed responsibility for the strikes, alleging the vessels were part of a Russian shadow fleet transporting stolen grain, military cargo, and fuel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation condemned the attacks as terrorist acts targeting civilian infrastructure.

Twenty-five Azerbaijani citizens were aboard the two targeted ships. While initial reports indicated five deaths, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan later clarified that four Azerbaijanis were killed and four injured, noting one casualty was a Russian citizen. Survivors were rescued by Russian vessels and the FSB border guard patrol and transported to Yeysk, Russia, for medical treatment.

The Azerbaijani government is currently coordinating with Russian authorities to identify the deceased and repatriate survivors. The government also issued a public warning for its citizens to avoid high-risk conflict zones, stating that no economic incentive justifies operating in active war zones.