As a result of large-scale Russian attacks on August 5, 2026, not only Ukrainian military facilities suffered, but also civilian infrastructure, including ships and warehouses of German companies. Among the victims were the bulk carrier Emil, the cargo ship Mera Queen, as well as the warehouse complex of the German company Liqui Moly in Kyiv. These incidents have caused serious concern at the international level, especially in the context of the threat to global food security.
Attack on the bulk carrier Emil: fire and evacuation of the crew
The German bulk carrier Emil, owned by the Hamburg shipping company Johann MK Blumenthal but sailing under the Liberian flag, became a victim of an attack by several Russian drones in the Black Sea. The incident occurred on August 5, about 21 nautical miles from the port of Odesa. As a result of the strikes, key technical systems failed, the ship lost maneuverability, and a fire broke out on board. The crew was evacuated, however, during the rescue operation, the ship was struck again. According to unconfirmed reports, there were no casualties among the crew members. There were no German citizens among them.
Deceased crew member of the cargo ship Mera Queen
The second affected vessel was the cargo ship Mera Queen, carrying grain under the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Ukrainian authorities reported that one crew member died as a result of the strike on the ship. This event became another alarming signal for the international community, highlighting the growing risks for civilian shipping in the Black Sea.
Strike on Liqui Moly warehouse in Kyiv
On the same day, August 5, during the Russian attack on Kyiv, one of the targets was the warehouse complex of the German company Liqui Moly, which produces lubricants. The company's central distribution facility in Ukraine was completely destroyed. A company representative, Sina Atai, stated that no one was injured as a result of the attack and subsequent fire, but the damage is estimated at several million euros. Restoration of the facility is not currently being considered, however, the company states its intention to continue deliveries to customers.
Position of the Russian Ministry of Defense
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed strikes on two cargo ships, but did not name them. The ministry claimed that the ships were transporting military equipment for the Ukrainian army. This version contradicts the data of Ukrainian authorities and international observers, who point to the civilian nature of the affected facilities.
International reaction and consequences for the economy
The situation surrounding the strikes on civilian shipping in the Black Sea has caused concern at the international level. On July 27, 2026, the UN Security Council held an emergency session dedicated to attacks on civilian ships threatening global food security. The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybyga, noted that Russia is deliberately attacking merchant ships, trying to turn the Black Sea into a focus of destabilization. The consequences of these strikes are already being felt by the economy: Ukrainian sea exports have effectively stopped due to attacks on port infrastructure and foreign commercial vessels.
Contradictory data
There are disagreements regarding the targets of the attacks. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that the ships were transporting military equipment, while Ukrainian authorities and international observers insist on the civilian nature of the affected facilities. There is also no single version regarding the number of casualties among the ship crews: Ukrainian sources report the death of one person on the Mera Queen, while data on the bulk carrier Emil remains unverified.
