Russian drones struck a Turkish-owned grain vessel in the Black Sea on Monday, killing two crew members and sinking the ship, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The vessel, identified as the Royad Mammadov, caught fire and sank in Romania's exclusive economic zone about 30 nautical miles south of the fishing port of Sfantu Gheorghe. Romanian authorities reported that two crew members died and 11 others were rescued, with three injured and evacuated by helicopter. The ship's captain was among the fatalities.

Zelenskyy stated on X that two Russian drones hit the civilian vessel in neutral waters while it carried corn. The ship was Turkish-owned by MG Shipping 5 Co Ltd, sailed under a Saint Kitts and Nevis flag, and had departed from Ukraine's Izmail port bound for Ravenna, Italy. Crew members included Azerbaijani and Indian nationals.

Romanian officials confirmed the incident but have not publicly attributed the cause. The 139-meter vessel sank during the rescue operation.

Zelenskyy described the attack as a horrific strike against a civilian vessel and noted that Russia consistently chooses terror and sinking civilian vessels instead of normal maritime navigation. He called for pressure to restore global food security.

The incident highlights ongoing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with potential implications for grain exports from Ukrainian ports. Turkish seafarers have previously protested increased attacks and accidents in the region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strike, calling it particularly cynical given Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in the Black Sea and emphasizing the urgent need for stronger protection of civilian shipping routes.