A Russian missile strike on port facilities in Odesa, Ukraine, has resulted in eight deaths and nine injuries, as reported by authorities on Thursday.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, targeted a civilian container ship registered in Panama, according to Odesa’s governor, Oleg Kiper. He mentioned that the death toll rose after a 26-year-old man died in the hospital.

Peter Stano, the EU spokesman for external affairs, condemned the attack, calling it a “blatant violation of international law” that must stop immediately. Kiper noted that this was the third attack on a civilian vessel in just four days.

Throughout the war, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s Odesa region, aiming at boats and grain storage facilities, which Ukraine claims is an illegal attempt to disrupt its exports. Before the invasion in February 2022, Ukraine was one of the world’s largest grain exporters, but ongoing attacks have significantly reduced its production.

Stano stated, “Russia is directly targeting the supply of food to people in need.” He highlighted that this strategy endangers global food security, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in Asia and Africa.

This missile attack occurred just two days after another strike hit a Palau-flagged ship in Odesa’s port, resulting in one death.