A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine was struck off Romania's coast in an attack believed to be linked to Russia's war on Ukraine, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on Tuesday. The incident comes amid repeated breaches this year of Romania's airspace and territorial waters by Russian and Ukrainian drones, heightening security concerns in the EU and NATO member state bordering Ukraine.
"Last night, the LPG Gas Lisbon, a Liberian-flagged vessel, was hit outside Romanian territorial waters, approximately 20 nautical miles (40 km) off the Romanian coast," Dan wrote on X.Dan said Romanian rescuers had evacuated the crew, including three injured members, and a tugboat had been dispatched to ensure the vessel did not drift and pose a danger to navigation.
"State institutions are on alert and will clarify the circumstances, causes and responsibilities related to this serious incident, most likely part of the illegal war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," Dan said.
Russia, which launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has either denied responsibility for reported attacks on Romania, said they were carried out by Ukraine, or blamed Ukrainian "provocation".
Source: Reuters
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
