Russia claims to have downed a Ukrainian army vessel surveying the Black Sea, amid mounting attacks by both sides in the area following Moscow's recent withdrawal from a major grain deal.The Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday morning its naval airforce had destroyed the spy ship last night near Russian gas production installations in the waters south of Ukraine.
The ministry did not provide further details.Last week, Russian ships in its Black Sea fleet were targeted by a Ukrainian naval drone, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
It said the was drone intercepted by Moscow's military ships without reaching its target.Attacks on Russian ships have escalated since Moscow refused in mid-July to renew a UN-brokered agreement that authorised Ukrainian grain exports.Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has appeared in his first video address since his abortive mutiny in Russia.
The Wagner leader hints he is in Africa in the clip posted on Telegram, though Euronews cannot independently verify this. Prigozhin - filmed in combat gear standing in the desert with a rifle in his hands - says his force is making Africa "more free".