Russian Attacks on Black Sea Cargo Ships Kill 10 as Pressure on Ukraine’s Export Route Grows

At least 10 people have been killed after a Russian missile strike hit a merchant ship off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine, marking the deadliest attack on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea since the escalation of such strikes. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged Golden Leo was hit by Russian cruise missiles on Sunday, according to Ukraine’s Air Force, causing a major fire. A search and rescue operation continued overnight, with Ukrainian authorities later confirming the deaths of nine crew members and one Ukrainian port pilot. The attack comes as Russian strikes on the Odesa region intensify. Local officia

At least 10 people have been killed after a Russian missile strike hit a merchant ship off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine, marking the deadliest attack on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea since the escalation of such strikes. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged Golden Leo was hit by Russian cruise missiles on Sunday, according to Ukraine’s Air Force, causing a major fire. A search and rescue operation continued overnight, with Ukrainian authorities later confirming the deaths of nine crew members and one Ukrainian port pilot. The attack comes as Russian strikes on the Odesa region intensify. Local officials said 28 people have been killed in the region during July alone.

Ukraine’s vital maritime export route under threat

Foreign-flagged merchant ships using the Black Sea corridor remain a crucial lifeline for Ukraine, allowing agricultural products and other goods to leave the country through routes along the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts before reaching Turkey. Maritime exports account for more than two-thirds of Ukraine’s agricultural exports, generating around $9 billion in revenue that is important for Kyiv’s economy. Analysts say Russia’s increased attacks on cargo vessels could be aimed at discouraging international companies from using Ukraine’s maritime corridor and purchasing Ukrainian goods.

Ukraine vows stronger protection for vessels

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi said the government and military leadership were preparing measures to improve navigation safety and protect civilian ships and seafarers from further attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine has also continued strikes against Russian military and naval assets in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine’s drone forces commander Robert Brovdi claimed that 183 vessels had been targeted in July, although the figure has not been independently verified.

Civilian casualties continue to rise

The latest attacks come as the wider war continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. The United Nations reported that June recorded the highest number of Ukrainian civilian casualties since April 2022, with at least 293 people killed and 1,990 injured. Russia and Ukraine have continued exchanging drone and missile attacks, with both sides targeting military and logistical infrastructure. The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, remains one of the world’s largest ongoing wars, with the Black Sea becoming a key front in the struggle over trade, security and military control.

Black Sea attack: A Russian missile strike on the cargo ship Golden Leo near Odesa killed 10 people, increasing concerns over the safety of Ukraine’s vital maritime export route.