Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 22
Russia Vows More Black Sea Ship Strikes After Killing 4 Indian Sailors
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 22

Russia Vows More Black Sea Ship Strikes After Killing 4 Indian Sailors

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 22

Summary

  • Four Indian sailors were among at least 10 crew killed when the MV Golden Leo was hit by three cruise missiles after leaving Odesa on Sunday, according to Ukraine.
  • Russia rejected India’s protest and said it would keep striking ships it suspects of carrying ammunition or weapons for Ukraine, though the Kremlin offered no evidence for that claim.
  • New Delhi summoned Russian envoy Vladimir Ladanov and told Moscow that killing civilians was unacceptable, while Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar separately raised “strong concerns” with Sergei Lavrov.
  • The clash is unusual for two long-time partners as India still relies heavily on Russian arms and discounted oil, even while facing U.S. pressure to cut those purchases.
  • The dispute also highlights wider risks for Indian crews: India says more than 10 of its seafarers have already been killed in attacks on commercial vessels in regional war zones.

Insights

Will the tragic deaths of Indian sailors finally force New Delhi to sever its lucrative energy alliance with Moscow?
If a wheat carrier can be destroyed despite maritime laws, is any commercial ship truly safe in the Black Sea today?
Is Moscow using civilian casualties to enforce a total blockade on Ukrainian grain, or was there another motive behind the strike?