President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that a civilian ship carrying wheat to Egypt was struck by a Russian missile shortly after leaving Ukrainian waters, informs Digi24.
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
Zelensky, in a message on the social media platform X, expressed anticipation for the international community's response to the attack.
He emphasized Ukraine's commitment to protecting its ports, the Black Sea, and its crucial role in global food supply. "Wheat and food security should never be targets for missiles," Zelensky stated.
He also highlighted Ukraine's importance as a major contributor to global food security, stressing that the stability and livelihoods of many countries depend on the uninterrupted flow of Ukrainian grain.
The attack comes after Russia withdrew last year from a UN-Turkey-brokered agreement that had established a safe corridor for Ukrainian grain exports from three Black Sea ports.
Unmet demands
Russia's withdrawal was due to unmet demands regarding the transport of fertilizers and related payments.
In response, Ukraine set up its own safety corridor, which includes routes through Romanian waters, to ensure the continuation of its food exports.
Zelensky's remarks underscore the critical nature of Ukraine's food exports and the need for global support in maintaining secure transport routes amid ongoing conflict.
