The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly denounced the recent assault on a commercial ship leaving Odesa port in Ukraine, leading to the deaths of four Indian nationals and leaving one individual critically injured. The attack occurred on the evening of July 19 when the MV Golden Leo was targeted as it departed the port, with a total of 17 crew members on board, including five Indians. The MEA has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and is actively providing support to the affected individuals, while also condemning such assaults on commercial vessels.
The Turkish-owned cargo vessel Golden Leo was hit by a Russian missile, resulting in a total of 10 fatalities, as reported by the ‘Kyiv Post’. The Ukraine Air Force reported that Russian forces launched three cruise missiles, one of which struck the Golden Leo, causing a fire on the vessel. Following the incident, eight sailors were rescued and taken to a hospital in Odesa for treatment.
The Ministry of Defence of Russia confirmed that Russian Armed Forces continued to target Ukrainian ports and vessels supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ministry disclosed that Anti-ship Oniks missiles, air-launched cruise missiles, and loitering munitions were used to strike port infrastructure targets, including two bulk carriers transporting military cargo near the Port of Odesa. The MEA reiterated India’s stance against such attacks on commercial shipping and emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.
