As Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange military fire across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, a Turkish-owned cargo ship was struck by a Russian missile in the Black Sea on July 19 (local time), leaving at least 6 people dead.

According to foreign media outlets including AFP and DPA, the Ukrainian Navy announced on social media that the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Turkish cargo ship, the Golden Leo, was hit by a Russian cruise missile, causing a fire on board.

The vessel was attacked in nearby waters after departing from the port of Odesa carrying grain.

Ukrainian Minister of Transport Mykola Kalashnyk stated on Telegram, "8 crew members have been rescued, and 2 are injured," adding, "So far, 6 deaths have been confirmed, and 4 people remain missing."

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha added that one of the deceased was a Ukrainian pilot, and noted that the crew included nationals from India and Syria.

Minister Sybiha condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same day, stating, "He is treating civilian vessels, international crews, and shipping routes responsible for global food security as yet another target," and added, "Putin's Russia does not care who it kills."

Recently, Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in intense clashes in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, targeting each other's maritime transport networks in addition to launching missile and drone attacks on inland areas.

As a result, incidents of merchant ships passing through these waters being struck are on the rise.

Russia has been focusing its attacks on the Black Sea coast around the port of Odesa, which plays a key role in Ukraine's grain procurement and shipping.

The previous day, Russia also attacked port facilities in Odesa, killing 1 person.

In response, Ukraine has also intensified its attacks near the Sea of Azov to isolate the Crimean Peninsula and block supply lines to Russian-occupied territories.

The Sea of Azov is also a major shipping route for Russian wheat exports, as Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)