Two foreign cargo ships, the Natra and Zirkon, were struck by drones overnight in the Taganrog Bay area of the Sea of Azov, killing five Azerbaijani nationals and injuring three others among their crews of 25 Azerbaijani citizens, authorities said [1, 2, 3]. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada confirmed the casualties and said the injured were hospitalized in Yeysk, Russia. He noted the ships are not owned by Azerbaijan and that embassy staff were dispatched to monitor and assist affected citizens [2].
Russia accused Ukraine of conducting the drone strikes. Moscow condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism targeting civilians and said it is investigating the incident and coordinating with Azerbaijan [3]. Ukraine acknowledged launching drone attacks on five ships near the Mariupol and Berdyansk ports, including in Russian-controlled waters [1, 3]. The Ukrainian drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, stated the strikes targeted dry cargo ships and oil tankers accused of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain as well as military fuel and supplies [3].
The attack unfolded in a region contested during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides offered conflicting explanations of the reasons behind targeting the vessels. Russia holds Ukraine responsible for the strikes, while Ukraine claims it targeted illicit shipments supporting Russian forces [1, 3].
Azerbaijan has taken steps to ensure the well-being of its citizens affected by the strikes and is working on their repatriation, according to its foreign ministry [2]. The injured crew members remain hospitalized in Yeysk as investigations into the attack continue.
