蜜芽传媒

Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine has been a deadly encounter for civilians and soldiers, but largely forgotten are the merchant sailors stranded on their ships - some since the start of the conflict 100 days ago.

Moored on the coasts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, fighting on land and a naval blockade has effectively confined them to their ships. Some of the crews include Russians and Ukrainians.

Natalie Shaw, the Director of Employment Affairs at the International Chamber of Shipping, a body that advocates for the welfare of seafarers on behalf of shipowners, told Newsday many had run out of basic items like toothpaste long ago and are sitting targets on board their ships.

(Pic: Cargo ships in the port of Odessa (FILE) ; Credit: Reuters)