UN Says Civilian Vessel Crews Cannot Be Deliberately Targeted After Ukraine Azov Sea Attack
Volgo-Balt-138 dry cargo ship sank April 3 after Ukrainian drone strike; three crew members killed, nine survived
Quick Look
- UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated that commercial vessels are protected under international humanitarian law and their crews cannot be deliberately targeted, following Ukraine's drone attack on the Volgo-Balt-138 dry cargo vessel in the Azov Sea on April 3.
- The vessel loaded with wheat sank, resulting in three crew members killed and nine survivors.
- Kherson Region governor Vladimir Saldo warned the attack would not remain unanswered.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The attack on the Volgo-Balt-138 is part of ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Azov Sea region. The vessel was carrying wheat at the time of the attack, adding to the humanitarian and economic impact of the conflict on civilian shipping.
GENEVA, April 20. /TASS/. Commercial vessels enjoy protection under international law and their crews cannot be deliberately targeted, UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told TASS. "Under international humanitarian law, merchant vessels are civilian objects and as such are protected from attack, unless they meet the criteria to constitute military objectives," he said when asked to comment on Ukraine's attack on a dry cargo ship in the Azov Sea. "Crew members of civilian vessels are civilians under international humanitarian law and cannot be targeted deliberately and all necessary precautions should be taken to avoid harm to them." The Volgo-Balt-138 dry cargo vessel loaded with wheat sank in the Azov Sea on April 3 after a Ukrainian drone attack. Nine crewmembers survived, three died. A probe was launched. Kherson Region governor Vladimir Saldo warned that this crime would not remain unanswered.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia may pursue diplomatic channels to condemn the attack at international forums
Likely · Within weeks
Increased security measures for civilian vessels in the Azov Sea region
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the specific military justification, if any, cited by Ukraine for targeting this vessel?
- What nationality were the crew members who were killed and survived?
- What specific retaliation measures is Russia considering?
