Shots against freighter? “Clear violation of international law”

MYukhailo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, spoke of a “deliberate attack” and “forced inspection” by Moscow after warning shots fired by a Russian ship at a Palau-bound freighter in the Black Sea.

In a publication released on the social network X (formerly Twitter), Podolyak, who spoke of a “clear violation of international law”, even promised a “response” from Kyiv.

“Today’s deliberate attack and forced inspection by Russia of the international civilian freighter Sukru Okan, which was en route to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, is a clear violation of international maritime law, an act of piracy and a crime against civilian vessels of a third country in the waters of other States”, began by writing the adviser to Zelensky.

“This precedent with the attempt to introduce a ‘Letter of Marque’ requires clear legal setting, identification of all persons and recognition of the fact of the crime by the international community. Ukraine will draw all necessary conclusions and choose the best possible response”, he concluded .

Today’s deliberate attack and forced inspection by Russia of Sukru Okan international civilian bulk carrier, which was en route to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, is a clear violation of international law of the sea, an act of piracy and a crime against civilian vessels of a third…

— Mykhailo Podolyak (@Podolyak_M) August 13, 2023

Remember that, this Sunday, a Russian warship fired warning shots at a freighter in the southwest of the Black Sea, which was sailing under the flag of Palau.

“The captain of the freighter did not comply with the request for a stop to inspect the transport of prohibited goods. To force the ship to stop, a warning shot from an automatic small arms weapon was fired from a Russian warship,” wrote the Ministry of Transport. Russian defense on Telegram.

Moscow added that, after the warning shots, an inspection was carried out on the ship, using a Ka-29 helicopter. “After the inspection group completed the work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” he added.

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