Moldova ‘strongly’ condemns attack on civilian vessel near Romania’s territorial waters

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Moldova on Friday “strongly” condemned an attack on a civilian vessel near Romania’s territorial waters that killed one sailor and left three others missing.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry said Chisinau stands in solidarity with Romania, Ukraine and Azerbaijan and commended Romanian search-and-rescue teams for their ongoing efforts.

“Russia’s continued escalation in the Black Sea endangers civilian lives, threatens freedom of navigation and undermines regional security,” the ministry said on US social media company X. “Attacks on civilian shipping must stop. International law must be respected.”

The ministry expressed its “deepest” condolences to the family and loved ones of the sailor who died, adding: “We hope the three missing crew members will be found safe.”

Earlier, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said a drone strike sank a commercial vessel near Romania’s territorial waters.

“This attack is another example of the tragic consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” he wrote on US social media company Facebook.

Nine crew members were rescued from the Comoros-flagged Khoryv, which was struck about 24 kilometers (13 nautical miles) east of the Romanian port city of Constanta, Digi24 reported.

“Deeply alarmed by yet another Russian escalation in the Black Sea. A civilian vessel carrying Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew has been struck off the coast of Romania,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. “These reckless attacks target innocent lives and openly defy international law,” she added.

Russian officials had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of publication.