Romania Condemns Russian Missile Strike on Civilian Grain Vessel in Black Sea

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the Russian missile attack on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea on September 12, describing it as an “unprecedented escalation”.

The ministry’s statement criticized the missile strike carried out by the Russian military against a merchant vessel in the Black Sea on Thursday, September 12. “This unprecedented escalation of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine violates international law and poses a threat to global food security. The Russian Federation must stop attacks on commercial vessels and must respect freedom of navigation,” the statement read.

Romanian Foreign Minister Luminica Odobescu also addressed the situation, noting she had spoken by phone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about support for Ukraine and developments in the Black Sea. “Incidents with drones violating Romanian airspace are serious. Russia must immediately stop such actions, as well as attacks on commercial vessels,” Odobescu emphasized in a post on Twitter (X) on September 13.

According to a press release from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Odobescu “welcomed the support and solidarity of the United States and its allies with Romania and emphasized the importance of NATO’s constant attention to developments in the Black Sea and the region.”

The statement also highlighted Blinken’s acknowledgment of Romania’s support, including the decision to transfer the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, describing it as “particularly important in the context of ongoing Russian airstrikes against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.”

Previously, a Russian missile struck a cargo ship flying the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Black Sea, which was transporting wheat to Egypt.