On June 6, Russian military forces launched an attack on two civilian search and rescue vessels engaged in a humanitarian mission in the Black Sea, resulting in casualties.
This incident was reported by Alexey Kuleba, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction, via Telegram.
Kuleba stated, “The enemy struck two boats of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, which were conducting a humanitarian mission within the Ukrainian maritime corridor.” The attack has prompted a response from the Ukrainian Navy, which is currently evacuating personnel from the affected vessels.
The Vice Prime Minister emphasized that, under international humanitarian law, small coastal rescue vessels are entitled to special protections. Despite this, the Russian forces violated these legal norms by targeting the ships.
“This attack is further evidence of Russia’s deliberate disregard for international law and poses a direct threat to the safe operation of humanitarian maritime corridors in the Black Sea,” Kuleba concluded.
The attack on civilian rescue vessels by Russian forces highlights ongoing violations of international humanitarian law, raising concerns about the safety of humanitarian operations in the Black Sea.