Disregard for International Law: The EU Responds to Russia's Attack on a Ship Carrying Ukrainian Sailors

Ursula von der Leyen called the aggressor country’s actions a blatant disregard for international law. She wrote about this on social media.

What did the European Union say?

On Monday, October 23, the President of the European Commission expressed deep concern over yet another Russian escalation in the Black Sea region.

I am deeply concerned about yet another Russian escalation in the Black Sea. A civilian vessel with a Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew was struck off the coast of Romania. These reckless attacks are directed against civilians and constitute a blatant disregard for international lawUrsula von der Leyen emphasized.

She expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and missing sailors and thanked the rescue teams for their work. The vessel was located 13 nautical miles from the port of Constanța; it was en route from the Turkish port of Ereğli to Sulina, Romania.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan also described the incident as part of Russia’s escalation amid the war against Ukraine.

According to the vessel-tracking service VesselFinder, the 43-year-old ore and oil carrier was scheduled to arrive at its destination on Saturday. Romanian authorities launched a rescue operation immediately after receiving the distress signal.

Ten Ukrainian citizens and three Azerbaijani citizens were on board the Khoryv, which was sailing under the flag of the Comoros. The Romanian Maritime Transport Authority reported that The rescue of nine sailors one crew member had died, and three others are currently missing.