Russian attack on corn ship off Ukraine's Odesa kills 10

A Russian missile attack on a corn-carrying vessel near Ukraine's southern port of Odesa resulted in the deaths of 10 people, escalating recent violence in the Black Sea. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship, identified as the Golden Leo and crewed by Indian and Syrian sailors, was struck by three cruise missiles on Sunday, igniting a fire, according to Ukraine's navy.

A search and rescue operation continued through the night, with officials confirming that nine crew members and one maritime pilot perished. Eight of the vessel's 17 crew members were successfully rescued. The Golden Leo is reportedly owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.

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A Russian missile strike on a ship carrying corn near Ukraine's southern port of Odesa killed 10 people, Ukrainian officials said on Monday, in the deadliest attack in a weeks-long flare-up of violence in the Black Sea.

This attack occurs as both Russia and Ukraine intensify their strikes on vital shipping routes in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. While a previous deal had largely restored grain shipments, the recent escalation targets key revenue sources for both nations. Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure, including oil tankers, while Russia has increased attacks on Ukraine's deepwater ports and cargo vessels. Russia's defense ministry reported hitting fuel reservoirs at the port of Odesa overnight.

The renewed violence on this critical grain export route has heightened concerns about global supply. Ukraine, a significant exporter of wheat and corn, has reportedly lost about a third of its Black Sea export capacity due to Russian attacks. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes have compelled Russia, the world's largest grain exporter, to limit shipping in the Sea of Azov, a route crucial for its exports.

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Russia hit the Golden Leo – a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria – with three cruise missiles, causing a fire on Sunday.