No:242/26, Response by Aykhan Hajizada, Head of the Press Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to a question from local media regarding the striking of ships carrying Azerbaijani citizens in the Sea of Azov
05 June 2026 13:17
Question: On 5 June, during the night hours, the “Natra” and “Zirkon” cargo vessels were subjected to an attack by unmanned aerial vehicles in the Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov, and there are reports that Azerbaijani citizens among the crews of the vessels were killed. We would like to learn the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
Answer: During the night hours today, drone attacks were carried out against two foreign cargo vessels whose crews included a total of 25 Azerbaijani citizens. We would like to note that the vessels in question do not belong to the Azerbaijani state.
Relevant information was received from Russia that, as a result of the attack, a total of 5 of our citizens were killed and 3 were injured. The injured were placed in the Yeysk city hospital.
Currently, coordination work on the matter is being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with our relevant state institutions, diplomatic missions of our country, as well as the competent authorities of the relevant countries. Several employees of our Embassy in Russia have departed for the scene. The condition of our citizens, their return to the country and the provision of necessary consular support are being kept under attention.
We express our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
