Russian Missile Strike on Cargo Ship Kills 10 Near Odesa as Black Sea Attacks Intensify
Odesa, Ukraine, July 21: A Russian missile strike on a merchant cargo ship near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has claimed the lives of 10 people, marking one of the deadliest attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea since the war began. Among those killed were four Indian nationals, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The cargo vessel, Golden Leo, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck by Russian cruise missiles on Sunday while operating along Ukraine’s remaining maritime export corridor. The attack triggered a massive fire on board, prompting an overnight search and rescue operation.
By Monday morning, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that nine crew members and one harbour pilot had lost their lives. The Indian government condemned the attack, describing the loss of civilian lives as deeply tragic and stressing that attacks endangering commercial shipping and freedom of navigation should never occur.
The strike comes amid a noticeable increase in Russian attacks targeting merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea. The Golden Leo was using one of the few remaining safe maritime routes that allow Ukrainian exports to travel through Romanian and Bulgarian waters before reaching Turkey and international markets.
These shipping routes are crucial for Ukraine’s economy. Maritime exports account for more than two-thirds of the country’s agricultural exports, generating nearly 9 billion US dollars in revenue and serving as a vital financial lifeline during the ongoing conflict.
Officials in Ukraine believe the latest attacks are aimed at discouraging international shipping companies from transporting Ukrainian goods, thereby weakening the country’s economy and disrupting global supply chains.
The Odesa region has witnessed relentless Russian attacks in recent weeks. According to regional governor Oleh Kiper, at least 28 people were killed in missile and drone strikes across the region during July alone.
Despite the constant threat, Odesa continues to function as a major port city and remains a popular destination for domestic tourists. Authorities have installed air raid shelters at dozens of public beaches, although residents have been warned that coastal areas remain particularly vulnerable because missiles and drones are frequently launched from the sea.
Ukraine has also stepped up its military operations in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian drone forces claim to have targeted numerous Russian naval and logistical assets during July, although independent verification of the reported figures remains unavailable.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russian strikes reportedly killed five more civilians in separate attacks on eastern and southern regions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone operations targeted infrastructure in Russia’s Moscow region, where local authorities reported injuries after multiple drones were intercepted overnight.
In Russia’s Belgorod region, officials also reported that a Ukrainian drone attack on a bus killed five people, including a child. Ukrainian authorities had not commented on the incident at the time of reporting.
The latest escalation highlights the growing risks facing civilian shipping in the Black Sea and underscores the broader humanitarian and economic consequences of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. As attacks on commercial vessels become more frequent, concerns are rising over the safety of international maritime trade and the security of global food supply chains.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
