A Ukrainian court has detained a Turkish cargo ship, the Usko MFU, for repeatedly entering Crimea for commercial purposes.
The ship, registered under the Cameroon flag, was confiscated and transferred to the Ukrainian state. Ukrainian authorities allege that the vessel, built in 1982, violated both international maritime law and Ukrainian regulations by conducting business in the occupied territory.
The ship was reportedly involved in transporting agricultural products to Crimea on multiple occasions, including turning off its tracking system while doing so.
In July 2024, the ship was seized while traveling on the Danube, allegedly carrying barley to Greece. Twelve crew members, including Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals, were on board.
This case marks the first time a vessel has been prosecuted for entering Crimea under these conditions, although Ukrainian courts have previously ordered the seizure of other vessels and commercial aircraft for similar violations.
