The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the Russian missile attack on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea on September 12, calling it an "unprecedented escalation" in the conflict.
The Russian military targeted a vessel transporting grain to Egypt.
“This unprecedented escalation of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine violates international law and poses a threat to global food security. The Russian Federation must stop attacks on commercial vessels and respect freedom of navigation,” the ministry stated, as cited by United24 Media.
Romanian Foreign Minister Luminica Odobescu also addressed the incident, noting that she had discussed the situation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In a statement shared on X (Twitter), Odobescu expressed concern about Russian drone incursions into Romanian airspace, urging Russia to cease attacks on civilian vessels and respect international maritime laws.
Odobescu praised the support Romania has received from the U.S. and NATO allies.
She emphasized the importance of NATO’s ongoing focus on developments in the Black Sea region, particularly in light of Romania's decision to transfer the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian airstrikes.
The missile strike on the cargo ship, which flew the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, is the latest in a series of Russian attacks in the Black Sea.
