On 13 December 2025, the Russian Federation launched a targeted drone strike on the Turkish civilian ship VIVA, which was travelling along the grain corridor to Egypt with a cargo of sunflower oil. This was reported by the press service of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
There were 11 citizens of the Republic of Turkey on board the ship. The attack was carried out on the high seas, in the exclusive maritime economic zone of Ukraine, outside the range of Ukrainian air defence systems.
The Navy emphasised that Russia’s actions are a gross and cynical violation of international maritime law, the principles of freedom of navigation and the provisions of the San Remo Guidelines.
The Ukrainian Navy is currently in contact with the ship’s captain, and the maritime search and rescue service is ready to provide assistance if necessary. According to the Navy, the crew was not injured, and the ship continues to move towards its destination port in Egypt.
The Ukrainian Navy emphasised that Russia’s aggressive actions deliberately jeopardise international maritime safety and challenge international law.