Russian missile strikes cargo ship carrying grain in Black Sea
Source: Ukraine’s Navy
Russian forces struck a civilian vessel in the Black Sea on the night of September 12. The Ukrainian Navy reports that the attack, which occurred at 11:03 pm, involved cruise missiles—likely the Kh-22—launched from Russian Tu-22 aircraft. The bulk carrier AYA, flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was hit while leaving Ukrainian territorial waters. It was carrying grain from Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port to Egypt.
The photos that later emereged on social media show the ship took serious damage.
In its statement on the attack, the Ukrainian Navy has blasted Moscow for continuing to flout the rules of war and jeopardize global food security.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also weighed in, confirming that the Russian missile hit the civilian ship shortly after it left Ukrainian waters.
“Our food supply to Africa and the Middle East is critical,” Zelensky stressed, highlighting Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to protect its ports and ensure grain reaches the global market. “This is a top priority for us—protecting lives and securing food supplies—and it should be a top priority for the world, too.”
Zelensky called for swift international action, emphasizing that food security and wheat must never become targets in this brutal conflict.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).