An "unidentified explosive device" has detonated and damaged a civilian ship in the Black Sea, according to Ukraine's navy.

Why It Matters

The Black Sea is a key battleground for Russia and Ukraine, the fighting interrupting much of the civilian traffic making its way through the water close to Ukraine's coastline.

Mines threaten non-military ships, including cargo vessels, which have struggled to keep up grain exports despite deals designed to shield global food markets. Ukraine's port infrastructure has also come under heavy Russian attack.

What To Know

Ukrainian media reported the civilian ship was a Belize-flagged cargo vessel, the NS Pride , but that the ship was not carrying cargo at the time. Publicly-available tracking data showed the 37-year-old vessel was in the Black Sea

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