Late in the evening of September 11, in the neutral waters of the Black Sea, a Russian Kh-22 missile hit the bulk carrier Aya, sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The vessel was transporting a cargo of Ukrainian grain from the port of Chornomorsk (former Ilyichevsk) to Egypt and was damaged as a result of the incident, the Telegram channel of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies reported.

According to monitoring resources, at that time two, and according to some sources three, Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers launched Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles in the western part of the Black Sea. It is assumed that their target was the naval platform "Ukraine", controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and located in the area of ​​Zmeiny Island. However, apparently one of the missiles mistakenly targeted a merchant vessel.

"The vessel was damaged. According to monitoring resources, at the specified time, two (according to other sources, three) Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers actually launched Kh-22/Kh-32 missiles into the western part of the Black Sea. Their presumed target was the Ukrainian Armed Forces-controlled naval platform "Ukraine" in the area of ​​Zmeiny Island, however, apparently, one of the missiles mistakenly targeted a merchant vessel."- said in the message.

It is noted that if this information is confirmed, it will be the first time the Kh-22 missile has been used in combat for its original anti-ship purpose, almost 60 years after it was adopted into service. Previously, these missiles were used primarily to strike ground targets.

The Russian side has not yet commented on these statements, however, judging by the lack of massive damage, the ship could have been damaged as a result of a hit by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile.