Russian attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea

Russia attacked the civilian cargo vessels Golden Leo and Venturo in the Black Sea. 

Russia killing at least six crew members and leaving five others missing, according to a briefing by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said the crews, which included nationals of the Philippines, Syria and India, were rescued by personnel of the Ukrainian Navy.

Ukraine stressed that Russia remains the main threat to freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. According to the MFA, missile strikes on grain-carrying merchant vessels represent an attack not only on civilian shipping but also on global food security.

The attacks are described as part of a broader pattern. The ministry noted that on 10, 19 and 22 June, Russia also attacked five foreign civilian vessels, killing two sailors and injuring five others.

Ukraine said it will use all available diplomatic instruments and seek a decisive response from the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations and the wider international community.

The MFA also reported that between 17 and 20 July, Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured more than 60, with Kyiv and Odesa among the hardest-hit cities. According to the ministry, Russia launched more than 40 missiles and 125 attack drones during the night of 19 July alone.

Separately, Ukraine said its Defence Forces struck Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl Oblast, logistics centres in Moscow and Tambov oblasts, the Svetlyak patrol vessel, and eight vessels identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Kyiv said the strikes are aimed at disrupting Russia’s military logistics, fuel supplies and revenue from energy exports.

We will remind, yesterday near Odesa the enemy struck a merchant ship under the flag of Guinea-Bissau. The ship, after loading corn, was leaving the Ukrainian port. Unfortunately, 10 people, including the pilot of the SE “USPA”, died.