- On July 19, the Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship, was hit by Russian missiles, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, including four Indians.
- Following the missile strike, the Kremlin announced on July 21 that it was in touch with India regarding the incident.
- New Delhi responded by summoning the Russian chargé d’affaires over the incident.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that Russia would continue to target vessels involved in supplying the Ukrainian military.
The Kremlin confirmed on Tuesday that it is in contact with India following a missile strike that killed four Indian crew members aboard the Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship, in the Black Sea. The incident occurred as the ship was leaving the port of Odesa in Ukraine.12
According to Kyiv, the Russian military targeted the Golden Leo with three cruise missiles on Sunday, resulting in a total of 10 fatalities, including the four Indians. The crew comprised members from both India and Syria.
In response to the attack, New Delhi summoned the Russian charg 'affaires to express its concerns over the incident. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will continue to target vessels involved in supplying the Ukrainian military, indicating a potential escalation in military actions in the region.34
The strike has heightened tensions between Russia and India, as the latter seeks to address the safety of its citizens abroad amidst ongoing conflicts. The Kremlin's communication with India reflects the diplomatic efforts to manage the fallout from this tragic incident.
“Kyiv said Russia struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Golden Leo with three cruise missiles, killing 10 including four Indians. New Delhi summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned Russia will continue targeting vessels supplying the Ukrainian military.”
