The Ukraine war escalated sharply as Russia launched a deadly missile strike on a Turkish cargo ship, killing six crew members, while Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for supporting Moscow's military campaign. Ukraine’s navy confirmed that Russia fired three cruise missiles at the Golden Leo, a vessel flying a Guinea-Bissau flag, as it was leaving a combat zone with a cargo of grain near Odesa. Foreign minister Andriy Sybiga stated the crew included citizens of Syria and India, and a Ukrainian maritime pilot also died in the attack.
Russia’s Overnight Ballistic Missile Assault on Kyiv
Hours before the cargo ship strike, Russia carried out one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The five-hour overnight assault involved about 40 Iskander-M and hypersonic Zircon missiles, leaving at least six people dead and dozens injured. A three-storey building caught fire in the capital’s central Shevchenkivskyi district, with rescuers digging out several people trapped inside. Fires were also reported at offices, residential buildings, and a dormitory across four other areas.
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Ukraine Strikes Back: Oil Depots and Shadow Fleet Targeted
In retaliation, Ukrainian forces struck three oil depots and a fuel facility in Russia’s southern Stavropol region, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Additionally, three Russian tankers from the so-called “shadow fleet” were hit in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy posted on X that these operations aim to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and war logistics.
Putin Thanks North Korea for War Support
Amid the escalating conflict, Vladimir Putin met visiting North Korean foreign minister Choe Son Hui and expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s support in the war against Ukraine. This meeting signals deepening ties between Moscow and North Korea, raising concerns among Western allies about potential arms deals and military coordination.
| Attack Type | Location | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo ship missile strike | Near Odesa, Black Sea | 6 dead, 4 missing |
| Ballistic missile barrage | Kyiv and other cities | 6 dead, dozens injured |
| Ukrainian strikes on oil depots | Stavropol region, Russia | No casualties reported |
Key Takeaways
- Russia targeted a Turkish cargo ship leaving a grain combat zone, killing six and injuring two.
- Kyiv endured a massive overnight missile attack with 40 Iskander-M and Zircon missiles.
- Ukraine retaliated by hitting three Russian oil depots and three shadow fleet tankers.
- Putin publicly thanked North Korea for its support, signaling stronger military ties.
- Rescue operations continue in Kyiv, with multiple buildings damaged and fires contained.
FAQ
What happened to the Turkish cargo ship in the Ukraine war?
Russia launched three cruise missiles at the Golden Leo, a Turkish cargo ship flying a Guinea-Bissau flag, as it left a combat zone with grain near Odesa. Six crew members were killed, and four remain missing.
How did Ukraine respond to Russia’s missile attack on Kyiv?
Ukraine struck three oil depots and a fuel facility in Russia’s Stavropol region, as well as three Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea, according to President Zelenskyy.
Why did Putin thank North Korea during the war?
Putin thanked North Korea for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with foreign minister Choe Son Hui, indicating growing military and political cooperation between the two nations.