Ten dead from Russian strike on grain ship in Odesa

A corn carrier was targeted by Russian missiles near the southern port of Odesa, leaving 10 victims. The vessel “Golden Leo”, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was operated by a crew of Indians and Syrians.

On Sunday, three missiles struck the ship and caused a fire, the Ukrainian navy reported via Telegram.

According to the Ukrainian port authority, the search and rescue operation continued throughout the night, but unfortunately nine crew members and one of the marine pilots lost their lives. Eight of the 17 people on board were rescued.

The Black Sea became a hotbed of conflict immediately after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, thanks to a special grain deal aimed at reducing the impact on global prices and enabling both countries to export agricultural products, commercial shipping had largely returned to normal.

Now, Moscow and Kyiv are escalating offensives in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, targeting key sources of revenue for the opposing side.

Ukrainian forces have struck Russian energy infrastructure, including oil tankers, while Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s deep-water ports and cargo ships.

The governor of the Odesa region announced on Monday that this month, Russian airstrikes have already caused 28 deaths in the area.

Both sides are major grain exporters, and the resurgence of violence on this sea route has raised concerns about supply security.

According to traders and analysts, Ukraine, which in recent seasons accounted for about 6% of global wheat exports and roughly 11% of corn, has lost about a third of its capacity to transport grain via Black Sea ports due to repeated Russian missile and drone attacks.