Russian Drones Strike Cargo Ships Off Ukraine Coast
Russian drones attacked two cargo ships off the coast of Ukraine, sparking concerns about global food security. The Emil, a freighter owned by Johann M. K. Blumenthal, was struck several times near Odessa and caught fire. Eleven crew members were evacuated, but there is no word on any injuries or fatalities among them.
The second ship, the Mera Queen, suffered more severe damage after being hit by Russian drones in the same area. According to Ukrainian sources, the grain freighter was loaded with wheat and had one crew member killed and three others injured.
Russia accused Ukraine of transporting military goods on the cargo ships but did not provide any evidence to support this claim. Ukraine denies the allegations and warns that deliberately targeting civilian ships will have severe consequences for global food security, as Odessa's ports are crucial for Ukrainian grain exports.