Ukraine has accused Russia of launching three cruise missiles at a civilian cargo ship near Odesa, killing six people and leaving four others missing. The attack on the Turkish-owned Golden Leo came as Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for its military support and said Moscow would “never forget” the actions of North Korean soldiers.
Grain ship struck near Odesa
The Golden Leo was sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau and carrying grain when it was struck in waters close to the Ukrainian port city. Ukrainian officials described the incident as a deliberate attack on civilian shipping and a further threat to Black Sea food exports.
The vessel’s multinational crew included sailors from Syria and India. Eight people survived the attack, including two who were injured, while a Ukrainian maritime pilot was reported among those killed.
The precise number of casualties remained subject to confirmation as rescue teams continued searching for missing crew members. Ukrainian authorities said the use of multiple cruise missiles demonstrated that the ship had been intentionally targeted rather than accidentally caught in a wider attack.
Russia had not immediately provided a detailed public response to the allegation. Moscow has repeatedly denied deliberately attacking civilian targets, despite extensive evidence of strikes on Ukrainian residential areas, ports and commercial infrastructure.
Large missile barrage hits Ukraine
The ship attack occurred during one of Russia’s most extensive missile operations against Ukraine in recent months. Kyiv and several other cities were targeted with approximately 40 ballistic and cruise missiles, supported by more than 100 attack drones.
The assault continued for several hours, killing civilians, injuring dozens and causing fires and structural damage in the Ukrainian capital. Other attacks were reported in Kharkiv, Kherson and Sumy.
Ukraine said its air defences intercepted 18 missiles and 108 of the 125 drones launched during the operation. However, the number of missiles reaching their targets again highlighted Kyiv’s shortage of systems capable of stopping advanced ballistic weapons.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for additional Patriot interceptors and other air-defence equipment from Ukraine’s Western partners.
Putin thanks Pyongyang
Against the backdrop of the continuing attacks, Putin met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin. He thanked Pyongyang for supporting what Moscow continues to call its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Putin praised the “heroic deeds” of North Korean soldiers and said they would be honoured in the same way as Russian troops. Choe conveyed a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirming his commitment to strengthening relations with Moscow.
North Korea has supplied weapons and deployed troops to support Russia, including during fighting in the Kursk region. Analysts say Pyongyang has received financial assistance, food, energy and military technology in return.
Black Sea conflict expands
Ukraine has responded to Russian attacks with operations against oil depots, logistics facilities and vessels connected to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet. The expanding maritime campaign is increasing risks for both commercial shipping and regional grain exports.
The strike on the Golden Leo may intensify international concern over freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Ukraine remains a major agricultural exporter, and disruption around Odesa could affect food supplies and prices far beyond the region.
The latest developments underline two central trends in the war: the growing danger to civilian infrastructure and shipping, and the deepening military partnership between Russia and North Korea as the conflict continues into its fifth year.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 20 July 2026
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