The Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MJ Pinar was hit by Russian missiles in the port of Odessa last night.
Four crewmembers were killed in the explosion and another was injured.
The ship was loading wheat when it was struck on its side.
The attack comes as talks between Russia and Ukraine have resumed.
Yesterday afternoon, Ukrainian President Zelensky said he would support the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia. The proposal was made during US-led peace negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between the Kiev and Washington delegations.
At this point, the ball is in Russia’s court, which will have the final say.
Translation by Giles Foster