**Russian missile strikes cargo ship in Ukrainian port, killing pilot and injuring four others**
A cargo ship docked in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa was struck by a Russian missile, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to four others, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
Ukraine’s southern military command reported that a Russian tactical aircraft in the Black Sea launched an anti-radar missile at the ship on Wednesday afternoon.
“The rocket hit the superstructure of a civilian vessel under the flag of Liberia, at the moment of its entry into the port,” Operational Command South stated on Telegram.
The 43-year-old pilot of the ship was killed in the attack, while three Filipino crew members and a port worker sustained injuries.
This incident marks the 21st attack on Black Sea ports in the Odesa region since Russia withdrew from the grain deal in July. Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov described the extensive damage Russian strikes have inflicted on Ukrainian infrastructure since the expiration of the grain deal.
As a major exporter of grain, Ukraine’s ability to export its crops has been severely hindered by Russia’s blockade of its Black Sea ports. In response, Ukraine has attempted to circumvent the blockade by leveraging alternative export routes and strategies.
Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into the Russian strike, while the Russian defense ministry has not yet commented on the incident.
The United Nations has warned of the risks to global food security and accused Russia of using food as a “weapon” in this ongoing conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community will be closely watching the situation to see how it unfolds.