The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned a Russian missile attack on a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off Ukraine's coast, which killed four Indian seafarers and injured one.The incident occurred on July 20, 2026, when the MV Golden Leo, a general cargo ship, was attacked while departing the Odesa port.The attack, attributed to Russian cruise missiles, resulted in a fire and the deaths of 10 people, including Ukrainian crew members and a pilot.The MEA reiterated its stance against targeting commercial shipping during conflicts, emphasizing the deplorable nature of such attacks.

Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, accused Russia of deliberately targeting maritime corridors critical for global food security, citing previous attacks on vessels in the Black Sea.He called for an international monitoring mission to document Russia's actions and ensure accountability.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine is providing support to the affected families and crew members, expressing condolences to the deceased's families and wishing the injured a full recovery.This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region and the risks faced by civilian maritime workers during conflicts.