Ukraine has blamed Russia for a deadly strike on a Turkish cargo ship carrying grain that killed six people and left four other sailors missing. The attack occurred near the port of Odesa as the vessel, the Golden Leo flying a Guinea-Bissau flag, was leaving the combat zone with a cargo of grain, according to Ukraine's navy. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that the crew included citizens of Syria and India, and a Ukrainian maritime pilot was also killed in the attack.
Details of the Attack
Ukraine's navy reported that Russia launched three cruise missiles at the Golden Leo. Prime Minister Sergiy Koretsky confirmed the vessel was struck after leaving port. Transport Minister Mykola Kalashnyk said on Telegram that eight crew members were rescued, two of whom were injured. He added, "Unfortunately, as of now, six sailors are confirmed dead, and four more are missing." Sybiga condemned the attack on X, stating, "While the world is still responding to Russia's brutal overnight attack on Kyiv, Moscow continues its campaign of terror throughout the day."
Major Missile Attack on Kyiv
Russia also carried out one of its biggest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Sunday, launching a five-hour overnight assault that left at least six people dead and dozens injured. Ukrainian officials said the capital was hit with about 40 Iskander-M and hypersonic Zircon missiles, as reported by Luke Harding. A three-storey building caught fire in the central Shevchenkivskyi district, with rescuers digging out several people trapped inside and recovering a body. Four other areas were hit, with fires reported at offices, residential buildings, and a dormitory.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Targets
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces struck three oil depots and a fuel facility in Russia's southern Stavropol region. He also stated that three Russian tankers from the "shadow fleet" were struck in the Black Sea, as posted on X.
Putin Thanks North Korea for Support
Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine during a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. "I would like once again to express my gratitude for the support provided to the special military operation we are conducting," Putin said on Sunday. He added, "We will never forget" the "heroic deeds" of North Korean soldiers, who would be "honoured in the same way as our compatriots." Russia's foreign ministry said Choe was visiting at the invitation of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. North Korea has sent troops to Russia's Kursk region and supplied weapons systems to support Moscow's war effort, while in return, analysts say the impoverished and isolated country has received financial assistance, food, energy supplies, and military technology from Moscow.
Russian Anti-War Politician Bows Out
Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin announced he will not run in September's legislative elections, saying he has been "silenced" and "pushed out of politics." Nadezhdin, one of the few politicians in Russia openly criticizing Putin and Moscow's Ukraine offensive, was recently convicted for displaying "extremist symbols." He wrote on Telegram on Sunday, "My ability to legally engage in opposition politics in Russia has been exhausted. I'm not prepared to put at risk those who support me and took part in the election campaign." The 63-year-old's campaign had been severely compromised since he was declared a "foreign agent" earlier this month, followed by his sentencing for posting a video in 2023 that briefly showed deceased dissident Alexei Navalny.
