Russian missile strike on corn ship off Odesa kills 10

ODESSA — On Monday, a missile launched by Russia struck the Guinea‑Bissau‑flagged grain carrier Golden Leo in the Black Sea, near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The strike reportedly occurred in the early afternoon, according to reports circulating internationally, and the vessel was carrying a load of corn at the time. Casualty figures indicate that ten crew members were killed, with others wounded, though the ship’s operator has yet to confirm the numbers. Ukrainian authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, and it is unclear whether the attack was part of a broader escalation in the region. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Black Sea, as both sides have increased military activity in recent days, prompting observers to urge restraint. Other news platforms have reported that the missile was fired from Russian territory, but the specific type of weapon remains unverified. The Golden Leo is registered under the flag of Guinea‑Bissau, and its owner has not yet released a statement. The vessel’s fate is still uncertain, with some reports suggesting it may have been damaged beyond repair.