On 18/5, Ukraine reported a Russian Shahed-type suicide drone struck the cargo ship KSL Deyang in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian Navy released a photo showing the vessel's upper deck charred following the attack.
"One of the drones en route to attack Odesa struck a Chinese-owned ship. The Russians could not have been unaware of which vessel was at sea", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media.
Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that all crew members were Chinese citizens. No one was injured, and the ship continued its voyage. "The vessel was entering port to unload cargo. After the nighttime drone attack, the crew independently managed the aftermath", Pletenchuk added.
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The upper deck of the cargo ship KSL Deyang was charred following the attack on 18/5. *Photo: Ukrainian Navy*. |
According to Ukraine's maritime port authority, the KSL Deyang was one of three cargo ships targeted by Russian drones while transiting the Black Sea towards Odesa. Small fires ignited on two vessels, which crews extinguished without external assistance. The third ship sustained damage, but its crew managed repairs.
Russia has not yet commented on the reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated today that the attacked vessel is registered in the Marshall Islands, refuting President Zelensky's claim of Chinese ownership.
Guo confirmed the vessel carried a crew of Chinese citizens, adding that the Chinese embassy in Ukraine had contacted the sailors and verified no casualties occurred.
Since the conflict in Ukraine erupted, China has consistently urged all relevant parties to engage in negotiations to end hostilities. Guo reaffirmed Beijing's position that "dialogue and negotiation" remains the sole path to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
This information was released ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China. Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing today for talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on bilateral relations and international issues.
By Huyen Le (AFP, AP, Reuters)
