Two Civilian Ships Hit by Ukrainian Armed Forces Missile Attack in the Sea of Azov

Two civilian cargo ships in the Sea of Azov have been subjected to shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the Russian Federal Border Service in Krasnodar Krai, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“On February 24, 2022, at 11:00 AM, the Russian cargo vessels SGV-FLOT and SERAPHIM SAROVSKIY were hit by a missile attack from the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the waters of the Sea of Azov. The fire was opened from Mariupol,” the ministry reported.

The missile attack caused damage to the SGV-FLOT oil tanker, which resulted in a fire on board, leaving one crew member severely injured.

The fire has been extinguished, and both ships are continuing their movement. Border patrol boats have been dispatched to evacuate the injured sailor and provide assistance.

Previously, Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas, assuring that Moscow's plans do not include the occupation of Ukraine, but rather its demilitarization and denazification.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that they are not striking civilian objects within Ukrainian territory, targeting only military infrastructure, and that the civilian population is not in danger.