Russian Missile Strike Hits Civilian Grain Vessel Near Odessa

A Russian strike on a Turkish-owned merchant ship near Odessa on July 19 killed at least six people, as separate air raids on Zaporizhzhia left two dead and 40 injured.

Attack on the Golden Leo

On Sunday, July 19, the civilian grain carrier Golden Leo, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck by three Kh-59 or Kh-69 cruise missiles near the port of Odessa. The vessel, owned by a Turkish company, sustained severe damage and caught fire.

Eight crew members were rescued, two of whom sustained injuries. Ukrainian Minister of Reconstruction Mykola Kalashnyk confirmed six deaths, with four people remaining missing as search operations continue.

The Ukrainian Navy condemned the strike as an act of terror against civilian shipping and a clear violation of international law. Odessa’s port infrastructure and grain export vessels remain frequent targets for Russian drone and missile barrages.

Casualties and Destruction in Zaporizhzhia

Overnight between Sunday and Monday, a separate Russian air attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia resulted in at least two deaths and over 40 injuries. Local services confirmed the use of guided aerial bombs.

A residential five-story building was hit during the assault, causing the total destruction of two floors. Zaporizhzhia is located approximately 20 kilometers from the active front line.

Military Response and Air Defense

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russia launched two Kh-59/69 cruise missiles from occupied Crimea and 94 strike drones between July 19 and 20. Targets were attacked using Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas drones launched from Russian territory and occupied areas.

Ukrainian air defense systems successfully neutralized 81 drones across the north, south, and east of the country. Officials confirmed that one missile and nine drones reached their targets, while one missile failed to strike its intended objective.