Ukraine Sinks Russian-Owned Container Ship in Black Sea, Rosatom Says

Ukrainian drones sank a Russian-owned container ship in the Black Sea early Saturday, forcing its 17-member crew to abandon the vessel, the ship's owner said. Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear power operator, said at least two Ukrainian drones struck the “Yanina” cargo vessel as it sailed near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The ship — operated by Rosatom's shipping subsidiary FESCO — was carrying civilian goods including frozen food and construction materials, Rosatom said. There was no immediate indication that the vessel was carrying out activities related to Rosatom's nuclear arm or carrying nuclear material. “The ship's crew abandoned the ship in an organized and coordinated manner after it began to sink. All 17 crew members have been rescued and are in good condition,” Rosatom said on Telegram in a statement. “Such an attack cannot be interpreted as anything other than piracy and robbery at sea,” the statement quoted Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev as saying. Ukraine, which has targeted Russian-flagged ships in the Black Sea throughout the nearly four-and-a-half year war, did not immediately comment. Kyiv has accused Russia of using the waterway to transport sanctioned goods, including oil. Russia has launched multiple strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure and ships approaching Ukrainian ports since the war began, attacks that Kyiv says are a war crime. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help . Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $ 2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later .