Four Indian nationals were killed and one remains hospitalised in a critical condition after a missile struck the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo as it departed Odesa port in Ukraine on the evening of 19 July. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday, 20 July condemned the attack and said its mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to those affected.

What Happened to MV Golden Leo

The MV Golden Leo, a merchant vessel sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag and owned by a Turkish operator, was departing Odesa when it was struck on its starboard side by one of three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles launched by Russian forces, according to the Ukraine Air Force. The strike ignited a fire aboard the vessel. At the time of the attack, the ship carried 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. In total, 10 people were killed in the strike, according to reports citing the Kyiv Post. Eight sailors were rescued and taken to hospital in Odesa.

What the MEA Said

'As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,' the MEA said in an official statement.

The ministry further stated: 'India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided.'

Russia's Position

The Russian Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that its armed forces 'continued carrying out strikes against Ukrainian ports and vessels operating in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.' In a statement on its official Telegram channel, the ministry said Anti-ship Oniks missiles, air-launched cruise missiles, and loitering munitions targeted port infrastructure. Among the listed targets were 'two bulk carriers carrying military cargo at anchorage off the Port of Odesa.' Russia did not specifically acknowledge the MV Golden Leo by name.

Context and Broader Pattern

The attack is among the deadliest on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. Despite a temporary grain corridor arrangement in 2022-23, maritime routes around Odesa have remained dangerous, with both sides trading accusations over targeting civilian vessels. Indian seafarers have previously been caught in conflict zones — including earlier in the Ukraine war — prompting repeated government advisories. The loss of four lives marks one of the single deadliest incidents for Indian nationals in the ongoing conflict.

What Happens Next

The Indian Mission in Ukraine is in active contact with authorities and is working to repatriate the bodies and support the critically injured crew member. The MEA has not yet named the deceased, pending family notification. The incident is likely to intensify calls within India for stronger diplomatic pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to protect civilian seafarers in active conflict zones.