India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Russian Charge d'affaires Vladimir Ladanov on 21/7 to express deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of an attack on the cargo ship Golden Leo two days prior. 5 Indian sailors were on board, 4 of whom died.
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime trade. India requested Ladanov convey to Russian officials that "targeting cargo ships, resulting in civilian deaths, is unacceptable and must cease immediately".
Russian Geran and Gerber unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked a cargo ship suspected of carrying supplies for the Ukrainian military in the Black Sea on 19/7. Video: Russian Ministry of Defense
Later that day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia was in contact with India to clarify its position. Peskov added, "Russian forces are and will continue to attack ships involved in transporting ammunition, weapons, and other supplies to the Ukrainian authorities".
Russian officials have repeatedly warned that supplying weapons to Ukraine hinders conflict resolution and "plays with fire". Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared any shipments of weapons for Ukraine "are legitimate targets for Russia".
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Location of Chornomorsk and Odessa cities. Graphics: RYV
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on 19/7 that its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked two cargo ships unloading military supplies, fuel tanks, and lubricants for Ukrainian forces at Odessa port.
Russia also attacked infrastructure at Chornomorsk port, along with two cargo ships in the Black Sea "transporting goods for the Ukrainian military" heading towards the facility. Video released on 21/7 showed a UAV diving onto a ship at sea and chasing another vessel before hitting its stern.
In contrast, the Ukrainian navy reported the Golden Leo, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau and owned by a Turkish company, was carrying grain when it was hit by three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles. The ship carried 17 Syrian and Indian sailors along with one Ukrainian pilot.
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The cargo ship Golden Leo after the attack on 19/7. Photo: Ukrainian navy
The projectiles hit the starboard side of the ship's superstructure, causing a fire. The attack killed 10 people, including the Ukrainian pilot, with 8 others rescued and brought ashore.
India is one of the countries with the most seafarers in the maritime transport industry. By 2025, over 320,000 Indian seafarers will be active worldwide, according to the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, RIA Novosti, Kyiv Independent)
