A blow to food security: a Russian missile strike damaged another vessel carrying food cargo in the Pivdennyi port.
Russian forces continue to target Ukraine's infrastructure, particularly ports that are vital for ensuring food security in Europe and beyond. On the night of October 6, Russia damaged the civilian vessel 'PARESA' under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was loaded with corn for export.
Fortunately, none of the 15 crew members, citizens of Egypt and Syria, were injured. The ship was carrying around 6,000 tons of Ukrainian corn, entirely a civilian cargo. This marks the 20th civilian vessel damaged by Russian attacks.
Recently, another ship carrying wheat to Egypt was also targeted. These strikes are part of Russia's efforts to disrupt the Ukrainian maritime food corridor and threaten global food security.
"Russia's false claims of destroying military cargo are untrue. They are deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, threatening the security of our neighbors as well," said Oleksii Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for Restoration and Minister of Community Development.
Despite continued Russian attacks, including border strikes like the recent hit on the Orlivka checkpoint near Romania, Ukraine's maritime food corridor remains operational, having exported over 70 million tons of goods across more than 2,500 ships to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Ukraine remains a key guarantor of food security for many nations, ensuring that millions of people receive the necessary food supplies.
