Russia and Ukraine have intensified reciprocal strikes on commercial vessels in the Black Sea throughout 2026, with Russia accused of targeting grain and cargo ships to disrupt Ukrainian exports via ports like Izmail and Chornomorsk. In early October, Ukrainian officials attributed drone attacks on the Turkish-owned Royad Mammadov (sunk with fatalities) and two vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone to Russian forces, while a Liberian-flagged tanker near Sochi was hit by Ukrainian drones. These incidents reflect ongoing efforts by both sides to interdict shipping, damage port infrastructure, and impose economic pressure amid the wider conflict, with attacks frequently occurring in neutral waters or exclusive economic zones. Trader assessments track confirmed attributions, escalation signals from Moscow or Kyiv, and any diplomatic responses that could alter the pace of future strikes.