Russia attacks 52 civilian vessels in Black Sea in just six weeks

Russia attacked 52 civilian vessels in the Black Sea during July and the first half of August 2026. Some were carrying food and other cargoes to or from Ukrainian ports, while others were attacked while in port. Ukraine’s Minister for Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport, Mykola Kalashnyk, reported the figures in an appeal to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The escalation in attacks poses a direct threat to Ukraine’s agricultural exports. Grain accounts for more than half of the cargo transported through the Ukrainian Sea Corridor and is shipped to more than 55 countries. According to the minister, systematic attacks on vessels and port infrastructure threaten not only the corridor but also international supply chains and global food security.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on July 19, when the GOLDEN LEO was attacked while leaving the port of Chornomorsk with more than 6 thsd tons of corn. Nine of its 17 crew members and a pilot were killed, while two other seafarers were injured. The vessel sank a week later. The AIDA, ATLAS BEY and AROSA were also attacked at the ports of Pivdennyi, Odesa and Chornomorsk in July.

Attacks on commercial shipping continued in August. On August 5, the EMIL, carrying 173 thsd tons of iron ore from the port of Pivdennyi, was attacked again and rendered unseaworthy following a fire. On the same day, the MERA QUEEN was attacked while leaving Odesa with a cargo of wheat, killing a Ukrainian crew member.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian attacks have damaged or partially destroyed 1,090 port infrastructure facilities and 262 commercial vessels in Ukraine. A total of 329 civilians have been killed or injured. Further attacks on commercial shipping increase risks to Ukraine’s seaborne exports, particularly grain, and could push up insurance and freight costs in the Black Sea.

Tags: Russia, export, Black Sea region, Ukrainian ports, restrictions, war, Black Sea grain corridor, Ukraine