Russian drones strike foreign merchant ships in Black Sea killing one sailor

Russian drones struck two foreign-flagged civilian ships in the Black Sea between Thursday evening and Friday morning, killing one sailor.

The attacks targeted vessels flying the flags of Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis, leaving five other crew members wounded. Ukrainian authorities reported that the ships were struck near the ports of Odesa, which serve as a critical hub for global food exports. This strike marks a significant escalation in threats against the "humanitarian corridor" intended to keep neutral trade routes safe.

International maritime organizations are expected to review security protocols as insurance costs for Black Sea shipping continue to climb.