The Security Service of Ukraine seized a Russian ship that was illegally transporting agricultural products from Crimea, having a crew from the Middle East.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the detention of a ship from Russia's 'phantom fleet' that was illegally transporting agricultural products from occupied Crimea. The ship was intercepted in a port in Odesa, arriving under the flag of an African country to pick up sunflower seeds. The ship's owner, sanctioned by the National Security Council of Ukraine, frequently changed the name and beneficiaries of the ship to avoid sanctions.

SBU investigators discovered evidence of illegal activities, including travel plans and mapping materials. The crew, consisting of 17 members from the Middle East, was detained, and the SBU has opened criminal proceedings for multiple offenses. Russia's phantom fleet, targeted by international sanctions, includes old ships operating under foreign flags, complicating the enforcement of sanctions.