The drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov demonstrate the "terrorist nature" of the Kyiv regime, which is increasingly targeting civilians, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Axar.az reports that according to Zakharova, the Natra and Zircon cargo vessels, sailing from Turkiye to the port of Rostov-on-Don under the flags of Belize and Palau respectively, were attacked in the Sea of Azov early on June 5.

"The circumstances of the incident are being investigated. According to available information, the vessels were attacked by Ukrainian drones, which once again confirms the terrorist nature of the Kyiv regime, which is increasingly choosing civilians and civilian infrastructure as its targets," she said.

Zakharova added that Russia is in close contact with Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Moscow regarding the attack and will provide all necessary assistance in ensuring consular access to Azerbaijani citizens.

"We are in close contact with the Azerbaijani Embassy in Moscow and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan," she said. "The Russian side will provide all necessary assistance to our partners in obtaining information about the circumstances of the incident and ensuring consular access to Azerbaijani citizens."

"There are fatalities and injuries on both vessels, including citizens of Azerbaijan. Assistance was provided to the affected sailors by a passing Russian vessel and a Russian FSB border guard unit. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Zakharova added.

It should be noted that the cargo ships Natra and Zircon, operated by Azerbaijanis, came under a drone attack. As a result, five Azerbaijani citizens were killed and three others were injured. The injured were taken to a hospital in the Russian city of Yeysk.