Russia launched a missile attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea, killing 5 people and leaving 5 missing. The ship's crew included Indian and Syrian citizens.
Amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia has targeted a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea. The vessel was departing from Ukraine's sea corridor carrying grain.
Five people were killed in this attack, while five others are still reported missing.
According to reports, the attack occurred on the cargo ship 'Golden Leo', operating under the flag of Guinea-Bissau and owned by a Turkish company.
As per the Ukrainian Navy, Russia fired three cruise missiles to target the ship.
The Russian missiles struck the superstructure on the right side of the ship, causing a massive fire.
The Ukrainian Navy informed that five people died in this tragic incident.
Following the attack, eight crew members were successfully rescued. A search and rescue operation is underway for the five other missing individuals.
Authorities are also assessing the technical condition of the ship to prevent further hazards.
Ukraine has strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act.
In a statement, the Ukrainian Navy said, 'This is another deliberate attack by Russia on an unarmed civilian vessel under a foreign flag, devoid of any military threat.'
The statement further added, 'This is an act of terrorism against peaceful maritime navigation and a gross violation of international humanitarian law.'
Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, also condemned the attack. He stated that the attack occurred just hours after Russia's large-scale overnight missile and drone assault on Kyiv.
Sybiha wrote on social media, 'While the world is still reacting to Russia's brutal overnight attack on Kyiv, Moscow continues its campaign of terror during the day.'
According to acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the ship's crew included citizens of Syria and India.
He also mentioned that a Ukrainian maritime pilot and four crew members lost their lives in the attack.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it has begun to inform the International Maritime Organization (IMO), international partners, and the governments of the countries whose citizens were killed or injured in this attack.
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