The incident marks the first time Russia has used force against a merchant ship outside of Ukraine since withdrawing from a major UN-mediated grain agreement last month.

According to an official statement from Russia, the patrol ship Vasily Bykov fired automatic weapons at the Sukru Okan vessel, which carries the flag of Palau. This action was taken after the captain of the Sukru Okan allegedly disregarded a request to stop for inspection.

The Russian statement noted that the Sukru Okan was headed towards the Ukrainian port of Izmail. However, ship-tracking data from Refinitiv indicates that the vessel is currently close to the Bulgarian coastline and is headed towards the Romanian port of Sulina.

The incident is a sign of Russia's increasing belligerence in the Black Sea. It also raises concerns about the safety of merchant shipping in the region. The UN has called for an investigation into the incident.

The incident comes at a time when Russia is under pressure to lift its blockade of Ukrainian ports. The blockade has prevented the export of millions of tons of grain from Ukraine, a major exporter of wheat and corn. The blockade is contributing to a global food crisis.

The Russian government has denied that it is responsible for the food crisis. It has accused Ukraine of mining its own waters and of refusing to allow ships to leave its ports.

The incident is likely to further strain relations between Russia and the West. The US and its allies have condemned the blockade and have called on Russia to lift it.

The incident is also a reminder of the dangers of operating in the Black Sea. The region is a major flashpoint for conflict, and there is always the risk of being caught up in hostilities. (ILKHA)