Four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a Russian missile struck a commercial cargo vessel departing Ukraine’s Odesa port…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Four Indian nationals were killed and another critically injured after a commercial cargo vessel was struck while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday, condemning the attack on civilian shipping.
In a statement, the MEA said the vessel, MV Golden Leo, came under attack on the evening of July 19 as it left Odesa port. There were 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,” the ministry said.
The MEA also condemned the strike, saying attacks on commercial vessels and civilian crew members undermine freedom of navigation and international commerce.
“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the statement added.
According to the Kyiv Post, a Russian missile struck the Turkish-owned cargo vessel Golden Leo, killing 10 people in total.
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles, with one missile hitting the starboard side of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel, sparking a fire.
The Kyiv Post reported that eight crew members were rescued and taken to hospital in Odesa following the attack.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that its armed forces had continued strikes against Ukrainian ports and vessels that it alleged were operating in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In a statement posted on its official Telegram channel, the Russian ministry said anti-ship Oniks missiles, air-launched cruise missiles and loitering munitions had targeted port infrastructure.
Among the targets listed were “two bulk carriers carrying military cargo at anchorage off the Port of Odesa”.
The attack comes amid continued hostilities in the Black Sea region, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
