Russian Cruise Missiles Strike Turkish Cargo Ship in Black Sea

A Turkish-owned cargo ship called Golden Leo was struck by three Russian cruise missiles in the Black Sea, killing at least ten people and injuring others. The incident occurred on July 14 as the vessel left the combat zone.

The Golden Leo, a bulk carrier flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was carrying cereals when it came under attack. Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority reported that the ship suffered significant damage after being hit by three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles on its starboard side.

According to various sources, including the Kyiv Independent and Crypto Briefing, eight people were rescued from the stricken vessel while ten crew members, including a Ukrainian maritime pilot, lost their lives in the attack. The ship had 17 crew members on board, hailing from Syria and India.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Ukraine's Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha calling it 'an act of terror against peaceful navigation' and a 'gross violation of international humanitarian law.'