UN condemns Russia’s attack on civilian vessel in Ukrainian port

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, expressed outrage over the attack by Russian troops on a civilian ship in Odesa, which killed a port worker and injured crew members.

This is stated in her statement.

“I am outraged by reports of a strike on a civilian vessel yesterday at the entrance to the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Pivdennyi in Odesa, which killed a port worker and injured crew members. I extend my condolences to the family of the port worker and hope for the recovery of the wounded,” Brown said.

She noted that the attack comes just days after a string of strikes that killed and injured civilians, destroyed grain stocks and damaged the 124-year-old Odesa National Art Museum.

“Yesterday’s strike is one of more than 30 attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure since the Black Sea Initiative was suspended in July. This is the first tragic case of civilian deaths and injuries on a civilian vessel,” the UN coordinator said.

Brown called the consequences of Russia’s brutal and relentless attacks on port infrastructure devastating for Ukraine’s economy and for hundreds of millions of people around the world who face the threat of hunger.

She reminded that attacks on civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law.

As reported, on November 8, Russia attacked the port of Odesa region, damaging a Liberian-flagged ship that was entering the port. It was supposed to transport ore to China. The shelling killed the pilot and injured three crew members.

According to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, a 1st class pilot, 43-year-old Serhiy Surin, was killed when a Russian missile hit a civilian vessel flying the Liberian flag.

Tags: Ukraine, UN, war, Black Sea grain corridor