New Delhi, July 20: Four Indian nationals were killed and another critically injured after the commercial vessel MV GOLDEN LEO came under attack while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa on Saturday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
In a statement, the MEA said, “On the evening of 19 July 2026, the vessel MV GOLDEN LEO was attacked while departing the port of Odesa. At the time of the incident, there were 17 crew members on board, including 5 Indian nationals.”
The ministry said, “As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalized 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.”
The MEA added, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery.”
Condemning the attack, the ministry said, “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.”
