A Russian strike on cargo ship in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed the vessel’s captain, Ukrainian authorities said Wednesday.
The commercial vessel was sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda when it came under fire in the Black Sea. Odesa regional head Oleh Kiper said the captain was a Ukrainian citizen.
The Ukrainian Sea Port Authority confirmed that the ship was sailing in the Black Sea when the attack occurred.
Russian Strike on Cargo Ship Raises Shipping Concerns
The latest attack comes as commercial vessels face growing risks in the Black Sea.
Ukraine says attacks on civilian and commercial shipping have increased as Russia and Ukraine target each other’s export revenues.
According to Turkey’s IMEAK Chamber of Shipping, at least 226 civilian and commercial vessels have been hit in the Black Sea since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Of those incidents, 163 occurred during the first eight months of 2026, accounting for about 70% of the reported attacks.
Commercial Ships Remain at Risk
The latest incident follows another attack on a civilian vessel earlier in September.
On September 17, a Russian drone struck a Tanzania-flagged civilian vessel in the Black Sea. The captain died, while three crew members suffered injuries, according to Ukrainian officials and reporting from the Associated Press.
These incidents have increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes around Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.
Turkey Calls for an End to Ship Attacks
Turkey has proposed that Russia and Ukraine stop attacks on civilian vessels.
However, the two countries have not reached an agreement on the proposal.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said recent attacks on commercial vessels were unacceptable, regardless of which side was responsible, according to reporting published after the latest incidents.
Meanwhile, shipping operators continue to face security risks while using routes connected to Ukraine’s major Black Sea ports.
Black Sea Shipping Faces Continued Pressure
The Odesa region remains a major part of Ukraine’s maritime export network.
Therefore, attacks involving commercial ships could create additional challenges for cargo operators and international trade.
For now, the latest Russian strike on cargo ship adds to a growing series of incidents involving civilian maritime traffic during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
