ByREUTERS

Ukraine's navy accused Russia of deliberately attacking a civilian Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt with a drone on Saturday, a day after Moscow hit two Ukrainian ports.

In a statement on Telegram, the navy said the vessel was called the Viva and had 11 Turkish citizens on board. It added that nobody was hurt and the vessel was continuing its journey to Egypt.

"The strike was carried out in the open sea in Ukraine's exclusive economic zone, outside the range of Ukrainian air defense systems," the statement said, accusing Russia of breaching maritime laws.

The Navy said it was in contact with the ship's captain.

Turkish Navy's rescue ship TCG Isin sails in the Bosphorus as the Palau-flagged bulk carrier MKK1, carrying grain under UN’s Black Sea grain initiative, is seen drifted aground in Istanbul, Turkey January 16, 2023
Turkish Navy's rescue ship TCG Isin sails in the Bosphorus as the Palau-flagged bulk carrier MKK1, carrying grain under UN’s Black Sea grain initiative, is seen drifted aground in Istanbul, Turkey January 16, 2023 (credit: Yoruk Isik/REUTERS)

Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports

On Friday, Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels, according to Ukraine's navy. A large fire broke out on one of those ships.

The attacks come after Moscow threatened to "cut Ukraine off from the sea" after Kyiv's attacks damaged three 'shadow fleet' tankers heading to Russia to export its oil.