[TrumpCard]

Russia took off its gloves long ago, but this is another manifestation of its no holds barred approach. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rus...024-09-12/

The targeted ship was in the Maritime Economic Zone of Romania but not in the territorial waters of Romania. These are legally international waters as far as surface ships are concerned. Under the law, Russia has every right to seize any ship and cargo, including neutral ones, that are  bound to or from Ukraine.  

. . . .

I am surprised it has taken so long for this to happen. I am even more surprised Russia used an air-launched missile to do it. Sinking a bulk carrier usually will take a "big" missile because the cargo itself doesn't explode or burn. A torpedo OTOH will easily do so, as these ships have limited excess buoyancy when fully loaded. The compartmentalization depends a lot on the specific vessel. Getting sunk sends a much bigger message than mere damage :-). Insurance rates will rise either way.

Russia chose a war of aggression.  I do not understand any argument that it is completely legal to shoot at "enemy" ships, so long as you first declare a war of aggression against the country whose flag is on the ship.

As to not sinking the ship, that could be intentional.  Russia is not responsible for the complete destruction of a commercial vessel or the loss of any life.  It fired a "warning" shot that now puts everyone on notice that they had better not be involved with commercial shipping of goods from Ukraine.

[TrumpCard]

Russia took off its gloves long ago, but this is another manifestation of its no holds barred approach. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rus...024-09-12/

The targeted ship was in the Maritime Economic Zone of Romania but not in the territorial waters of Romania. These are legally international waters as far as surface ships are concerned. Under the law, Russia has every right to seize any ship and cargo, including neutral ones, that are  bound to or from Ukraine.  

. . . .

I am surprised it has taken so long for this to happen. I am even more surprised Russia used an air-launched missile to do it. Sinking a bulk carrier usually will take a "big" missile because the cargo itself doesn't explode or burn. A torpedo OTOH will easily do so, as these ships have limited excess buoyancy when fully loaded. The compartmentalization depends a lot on the specific vessel. Getting sunk sends a much bigger message than mere damage :-). Insurance rates will rise either way.

Russia chose a war of aggression.  I do not understand any argument that it is completely legal to shoot at "enemy" ships, so long as you first declare a war of aggression against the country whose flag is on the ship.

As to not sinking the ship, that could be intentional.  Russia is not responsible for the complete destruction of a commercial vessel or the loss of any life.  It fired a "warning" shot that now puts everyone on notice that they had better not be involved with commercial shipping of goods from Ukraine.