Moscow has launched an attack on a Ukraine -bound gas tanker near Romania’s coast, as the Kremlin vowed to step up its attacks on ships supplying Kyiv’s military.
Romanian president Nicusor Dan said the Liberian-flagged vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine was hit in an attack likely linked to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
This year, Russian and Ukrainian drones have repeatedly breached the airspace and territorial waters of Romania, officials in the European Union and NATO member state neighbouring Ukraine have said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia would not stop striking vessels supplying Ukraine’s military.
In an earlier incident, India confirmed four casualties to its nationals in a Russian attack on a ship leaving the southern port city of Odesa in Ukraine.
Ukraine said Russia hit the Golden Leo – a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria – with three cruise missiles on Sunday.
Meanwhile, at least three Chinese nationals have been wounded in a major Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Chinese state media announced this morning.
This comes as Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke with the new British prime minister Andy Burnham, shortly after he took office yesterday in London.
Key Points
- Three injured after Ukraine-bound vessel struck near Romanian coast, says president
- Chinese nationals injured in drone attack on Moscow
- Four Indians killed in attack on ship leaving Ukraine port
- IMF approves $690m for Ukraine after review
- Zelensky meets military commanders amid street protests against army chief
- Russian strikes kill 28 people in Ukraine's Odesa region in July, governor says
Russian forces seize village in Kharkiv region, says Moscow
12:51 , Alex Croft
Russian forces have taken control of the village of Volokhivske in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, news agencies cited the Defence Ministry as saying.
The agencies also said Moscow had continued to hit infrastructure used by Kyiv's military in the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
The Independent could not independently confirm the battlefield reports.
Domestic fuel market in Russia partly stabilised, says Moscow's deputy PM
12:29 , Alex Croft
The domestic fuel market in Russia has partly stabilised, deputy prime minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday.
He did, however, say the situation was still difficult in some regions.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries in recent months have disrupted fuel supplies, leading to long queues at pump stations, excessive gasoline prices and rationing in several regions.
Kremlin: Moscow in touch with New Delhi after four Indians killed in Black Sea
12:25 , Alex Croft
We’ve heard more from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said Moscow was in touch with its partners in India after a missile strike killed four Indians on a Black Sea cargo ship as it was leaving the port of Odesa in Ukraine.
Kyiv said Russia hit the Golden Leo – a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria – with three cruise missiles on Sunday, killing 10 people including four Indians.
New Delhi summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires over the incident.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Russia will continue to hit vessels involved in supplying the Ukrainian military.
Kremlin says Ukrainian attacks on Wildberries has caused losses for companny
12:01 , Alex Croft
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that recent Ukrainian attacks on warehouses owned by Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, had caused losses for the company as well as for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Asked about the attacks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation was not easy and denied accusations from Ukraine that Wildberries handles military supplies used for Russia's war effort.
In pictures: Russia launches air attack on Sumy
11:35 , Alex Croft
Russian warship carries out live-firing exercise off UK coast
11:10 , Alex Croft
A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise off the coast of Plymouth on Monday, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, was being shadowed by a Royal Navy ship and a French military aircraft during the operation, which lasted around 30 minutes.
The warship is understood to have informed the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne of its intentions ahead of time.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “A Russian naval vessel shadowed by the Royal Navy conducted a live-fire weapons exercise in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth yesterday.
“The Royal Navy monitored that exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel’s activity closely, and stands ready to protect UK national security.”
Our senior foreign affairs reporter James Reynolds brings the full report.
Watch: Russian comedian Sasha Nezlobin on his new life in America
10:43 , Alex Croft
Russia attacks Naftogaz gas production facilities, says Ukraine
10:21 , Alex Croft
Russia has attacked Naftogaz's gas production facilities in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region for three days in a row, the state-owned energy company said on Tuesday.
An attack on one of the facilities on Sunday resulted in partial loss of production volumes after equipment needed to be stopped, the company said on Telegram.
Another facility was damaged in an attack on Monday morning, Naftogaz said.
Russia expels two Italian diplomats, foreign ministry says
10:00 , Arpan Rai
Russia said it had declared two Italian diplomats persona non grata, calling it a reciprocal measure in response to the expulsion of two Russian embassy staff in Italy.
Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on 9 July that Rome had expelled two military attaches at the Russian embassy in Italy who were allegedly involved in espionage activities.
The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that Vittorio Parrella, the assistant defence attache at the Italian embassy, and Davide D’Aprile, an attache, were persona non grata and must leave Russia with their families within three days.
The ministry also said it had summoned Italian interim Charge d'Affaires Giovanni Scopa in connection with the expulsion of Russian embassy staff.
"The Russian Federation has expelled, without reason, the Italian military attache in Moscow along with one of his collaborators. This is an act of blatant retaliation for the expulsion from Italy of two Russian military attaches, who were indeed caught red-handed while carrying out espionage activities to the detriment of our national security," Tajani wrote on X on Monday.
‘I was Russia’s Michael McIntyre – but I’ve now fled Putin and may never go back’
09:49 , Arpan Rai
With his own sitcom, a thriving stand-up career and various films in the works, Sasha Nezlobin was one of the biggest comedy names in Russia. But in the space of just a few months, he went from writing a new show to fleeing his home country and the wrath of Vladimir Putin.
In February 2022, the comedian found himself frantically packing a suitcase to escape Moscow with his family. He had criticised Russia’s prosecution of those speaking out against the war with Ukraine – and Nezlobin, his wife and their young daughter were headed for the last direct flight to New York before Europe and North America closed their airspace to Russian planes.
‘I was Russia’s Michael McIntyre – but I’ve now fled Putin and may never go back’
Three injured after Ukraine-bound vessel struck near Romanian coast, says president
09:24 , Alex Croft
A vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine has been hit off Romania's coast in an attack likely linked to Russia's war on Ukraine, Romanian president Nicusor Dan has said.
This year, Russian and Ukrainian drones have repeatedly breached the airspace and territorial waters of Romania, officials in the European Union and Nato member state neighbouring Ukraine have said.
"Last night, the LPG Gas Lisbon, a Liberian-flagged vessel, was hit outside Romanian territorial waters, approximately 20 nautical miles (40 km) off the Romanian coast," Dan wrote on X.
Dan said Romanian rescuers had evacuated the crew of the Liberian-flagged vessel, including three injured members, and a tugboat had been dispatched to ensure the vessel did not drift and pose a danger to navigation.
"State institutions are on alert and will clarify the circumstances, causes and responsibilities related to this serious incident, most likely part of the illegal war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," Dan said.
Burnham speaks to Zelensky and Trump in first calls after taking office
09:20 , Arpan Rai
Andy Burnham has spoken with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump as part of his first set of phone calls with world leaders as prime minister.
Burnham promised that Britain's support for Ukraine would remain unchanged under his leadership, just hours after he replaced Sir Keir Starmer in No 10.
Zelensky confirmed the call on his Telegram channel and said the two sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and agreed to speak on bilateral cooperation in the near future, including within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition.
"I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast," he said.
Zelensky thanked Burnham for “warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia's recent attacks”.
I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham @andyburnham and congratulate him on taking office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/6sJ9ErbpPF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 20, 2026
Trump said on Truth Social that he had spoken to Burnham in one of his first phone calls as PM. "The call was interesting, and went very well," Trump wrote.
Burnham, who has little previous foreign policy experience, has said that Britain will remain a firm United States ally.
IMF approves $690m for Ukraine after review
09:00 , Arpan Rai
The International Monetary Fund's board completed a review of Ukraine's financing arrangement, clearing the way for immediate access to about $690m, the Fund said on Monday.
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday that maintaining macroeconomic stability remained Ukraine's immediate priority and called for prudent fiscal and monetary policies as well as measures to safeguard financial-sector resilience.
The war-torn nation is operating under an $8.1bn IMF loan programme.
The latest funding brings total disbursements under the programme to about $2.2bn, the IMF said in a statement.
The review is a key test for Ukraine as it struggles to sustain economic stability and advance reforms while battling intensified Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
The IMF said Ukraine had maintained macroeconomic and financial stability despite Russia's war.
However, it said the economic outlook had weakened largely due to intensified attacks on critical infrastructure and spillover effects from the war in the Middle East.
To keep the programme on track, IMF staff and Ukrainian authorities agreed in June to a revised timeline for implementing reforms, corrective actions to address slippages and additional policy commitments, the IMF said in June.
Why young Ukrainians in the streets want wartime military general gone
08:40 , Arpan Rai
Thousands of angry protesters in Ukraine have taken to the streets triggering the largest protests the war-hit nation has seen since Russia's invasion in 2022.
For several days in a row now, these protesters have defied martial law to protest against last week's removal of young reformer Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and to demand the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The protests have exposed deep divisions in the defence leadership on how to stop Russia's battlefield advances, as the war's overall momentum has swung in Kyiv's favour.
A poll from Gradus research company showed that 61 per cent of Ukrainians were against the dismissal of Fedorov.
Zelensky said he spoke with Fedorov, 35, "at length" over the weekend as the tussle between the two sides intensified, with the ousted young defence minister refusing to return to the government.
A source close to Fedorov told Reuters that he had discussed other roles with Zelensky, but that he was only ready to return as defence minister.
Ukrainian media reported that Fedorov had been offered roles overseeing military technology and innovation.
Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the organisers of the protests, called on supporters to launch a "general, indefinite protest" unless Syrskyi is removed and Fedorov reappointed as defence minister by 24 July.
Syrskyi, 60, faces criticism from civil society, soldiers and lawmakers for his Soviet-style command culture and high casualty tactics.
Zelensky meets military commanders amid street protests against army chief
08:15 , Arpan Rai
President Volodymyr Zelensky met some of Ukraine’s top military commanders on Monday to try to ease growing discontent with the defence leadership that has triggered the largest street protests since Russia's invasion in 2022.
Ukraine's military commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, is facing mounting criticism from civil society, soldiers and lawmakers for his Soviet-style command culture and high casualty tactics.
Zelensky met five generals and one colonel, viewed by political analysts as potential replacements for Syrskyi, one after another to discuss the battlefield situation as fighting rages along more than 1,200km (746 miles) of the frontline.
The six most well-known and respected military commanders, including Commander of the Joint Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatyuk, represent a younger generation of Ukrainian officers whose careers were shaped in combat against Russian troops.
Oleh Apostol, commander of the air assault forces, and commanders of the three army corps – Andriy Biletsky, Ihor Obolenskyi, and Denys Prokopenko also met Zelensky, who posted pictures from his study following each meeting.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, called for unity and restraint in the wake of the protests, promising a constructive response.
“The public’s views have been heard," he said. "Work is underway. Results will follow.”
North Korean and Russian foreign ministers hold strategic talks in Moscow
07:55 , Arpan Rai
North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held their third strategic dialogue in Moscow on Monday, North Korean state media KCNA said this morning.
The two sides "reached a consensus on all the issues brought up for discussion", the report said, with talks focusing on implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024.
Russia expressed full support for North Korean measures to counter what KCNA described as hostile acts threatening its position and right to development, as well as its sovereign rights and security interests.
North Korea expressed invariable support for Russian policies aimed at eliminating what it called the "root cause" of the conflict in Ukraine and defending Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysts have been watching for signs that Choe’s visit could pave the way for another trip to Russia by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who last travelled there for a summit with Putin in 2023.
Putin invited Kim to visit again during their June 2024 summit in Pyongyang.
North Korea has also been shoring up ties with China, with successive high-level exchanges this month marking the 65th anniversary of the countries’ friendship and mutual defence treaty.
Chinese nationals injured in drone attack on Moscow
07:35 , Arpan Rai
At least three Chinese nationals have been reported injured during a Ukraine drone attack on Moscow, Chinese state media announced this morning.
The Chinese embassy in Russia said two people were receiving treatment at a local hospital and were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries, while another had asked to be discharged for treatment back in China.
The embassy said it immediately activated its emergency response mechanism and asked Russian authorities to take all necessary measures to treat the injured and protect the safety and property of Chinese citizens.
The three Chinese nationals were among 10 people injured in an attack carried out over Sunday night and Monday morning.
Four Indian seafarers killed in ‘Russian strike’ on ship leaving Ukraine
07:17 , Arpan Rai
Four Indian nationals were among 10 people killed in an alleged Russian cruise missile strike on a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's southern port of Odesa over the weekend.
India's foreign ministry said on Monday that the vessel, MV Golden Leo, was attacked on Sunday evening just as it was departing Odesa with 17 crew members, including five Indians.
The surviving Indian crew member was critically injured, the foreign ministry added.
The Ukrainian navy alleged that the vessel, flying the Guinea-Bissau flag and owned by a Turkish company, was targeted by Russian forces with three cruise missiles.
Ten people were killed, including a Ukrainian pilot, Ukraine’s Sea Ports Authority said after launching a search and rescue operation.
Four Indian seafarers killed in ‘Russian strike’ on ship leaving Ukraine
Russia expels two Italian diplomats, foreign ministry says
06:53 , Arpan Rai
Russia said it had declared two Italian diplomats persona non grata, calling it a reciprocal measure in response to the expulsion of two Russian embassy staff in Italy.
Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on 9 July that Rome had expelled two military attaches at the Russian embassy in Italy who were allegedly involved in espionage activities.
The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that Vittorio Parrella, the assistant defence attache at the Italian embassy, and Davide D’Aprile, an attache, were persona non grata and must leave Russia with their families within three days.
The ministry also said it had summoned Italian interim Charge d'Affaires Giovanni Scopa in connection with the expulsion of Russian embassy staff.
"The Russian Federation has expelled, without reason, the Italian military attache in Moscow along with one of his collaborators. This is an act of blatant retaliation for the expulsion from Italy of two Russian military attaches, who were indeed caught red-handed while carrying out espionage activities to the detriment of our national security," Tajani wrote on X on Monday.
Andy Burnham to pledge he will ‘be there’ for Zelensky on first call as PM
06:31 , Arpan Rai
Andy Burnham has pledged he will “be there for” Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and the UK’s support would remain “resolute” under his premiership.
The new Prime Minister indicated that the President of Ukraine would be one of the first foreign leaders he would speak to after replacing Sir Keir Starmer in No 10.
He also indicated plans for a call with US President Donald Trump.
Mr Burnham has little foreign policy experience from his time in government, but he said he had worked with Ukrainian mayors while he was running Greater Manchester.
He said he would support Mr Zelensky personally, as well as offer the UK’s backing to Ukraine.
Mr Burnham told broadcasters: “Those will be my first calls, and I’ll be making very clear later today to President Zelensky that there is no change.
Andy Burnham to pledge he will ‘be there’ for Zelensky on first call as PM
Burnham speaks to Zelensky and Trump in first calls after taking office
06:05 , Arpan Rai
Andy Burnham has spoken with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump as part of his first set of phone calls with world leaders as prime minister.
Burnham promised that Britain's support for Ukraine would remain unchanged under his leadership, just hours after he replaced Sir Keir Starmer in No 10.
Zelensky confirmed the call on his Telegram channel and said the two sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and agreed to speak on bilateral cooperation in the near future, including within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition.
"I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast," he said.
Zelensky thanked Burnham for “warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia's recent attacks”.
I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham @andyburnham and congratulate him on taking office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/6sJ9ErbpPF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 20, 2026
Trump said on Truth Social that he had spoken to Burnham in one of his first phone calls as PM. "The call was interesting, and went very well," Trump wrote.
Burnham, who has little previous foreign policy experience, has said that Britain will remain a firm United States ally.
IMF approves $690m for Ukraine after review
05:44 , Arpan Rai
The International Monetary Fund's board completed a review of Ukraine's financing arrangement, clearing the way for immediate access to about $690m, the Fund said on Monday.
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday that maintaining macroeconomic stability remained Ukraine's immediate priority and called for prudent fiscal and monetary policies as well as measures to safeguard financial-sector resilience.
The war-torn nation is operating under an $8.1bn IMF loan programme.
The latest funding brings total disbursements under the programme to about $2.2bn, the IMF said in a statement.
The review is a key test for Ukraine as it struggles to sustain economic stability and advance reforms while battling intensified Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
The IMF said Ukraine had maintained macroeconomic and financial stability despite Russia's war.
However, it said the economic outlook had weakened largely due to intensified attacks on critical infrastructure and spillover effects from the war in the Middle East.
To keep the programme on track, IMF staff and Ukrainian authorities agreed in June to a revised timeline for implementing reforms, corrective actions to address slippages and additional policy commitments, the IMF said in June.
Watch: Moscow under attack as Zelensky vows to intensify pressure on Russia
05:25 , Arpan Rai
Why young Ukrainians in the streets want wartime military general gone
04:52 , Arpan Rai
Thousands of angry protesters in Ukraine have taken to the streets triggering the largest protests the war-hit nation has seen since Russia's invasion in 2022.
For several days in a row now, these protesters have defied martial law to protest against last week's removal of young reformer Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and to demand the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The protests have exposed deep divisions in the defence leadership on how to stop Russia's battlefield advances, as the war's overall momentum has swung in Kyiv's favour.
A poll from Gradus research company showed that 61 per cent of Ukrainians were against the dismissal of Fedorov.
Zelensky said he spoke with Fedorov, 35, "at length" over the weekend as the tussle between the two sides intensified, with the ousted young defence minister refusing to return to the government.
A source close to Fedorov told Reuters that he had discussed other roles with Zelensky, but that he was only ready to return as defence minister.
Ukrainian media reported that Fedorov had been offered roles overseeing military technology and innovation.
Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the organisers of the protests, called on supporters to launch a "general, indefinite protest" unless Syrskyi is removed and Fedorov reappointed as defence minister by 24 July.
Syrskyi, 60, faces criticism from civil society, soldiers and lawmakers for his Soviet-style command culture and high casualty tactics.
Four Indians killed in attack on ship leaving Ukraine port, confirms New Delhi
04:35 , Arpan Rai
An attack on a ship leaving Ukraine's southern port of Odesa on Sunday killed four Indians and left another in a critical condition in hospital, India's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Monday.
Russia hit the Golden Leo – a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria – with three cruise missiles on Sunday, Ukraine's navy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
"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," the ministry statement said.
Zelensky meets military commanders amid street protests against army chief
04:28 , Arpan Rai
President Volodymyr Zelensky met some of Ukraine’s top military commanders on Monday to try to ease growing discontent with the defence leadership that has triggered the largest street protests since Russia's invasion in 2022.
Ukraine's military commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, is facing mounting criticism from civil society, soldiers and lawmakers for his Soviet-style command culture and high casualty tactics.
Zelensky met five generals and one colonel, viewed by political analysts as potential replacements for Syrskyi, one after another to discuss the battlefield situation as fighting rages along more than 1,200km (746 miles) of the frontline.
The six most well-known and respected military commanders, including Commander of the Joint Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatyuk, represent a younger generation of Ukrainian officers whose careers were shaped in combat against Russian troops.
Oleh Apostol, commander of the air assault forces, and commanders of the three army corps – Andriy Biletsky, Ihor Obolenskyi, and Denys Prokopenko also met Zelensky, who posted pictures from his study following each meeting.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, called for unity and restraint in the wake of the protests, promising a constructive response.
“The public’s views have been heard," he said. "Work is underway. Results will follow.”
North Korean and Russian foreign ministers hold strategic talks in Moscow
04:10 , Arpan Rai
North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held their third strategic dialogue in Moscow on Monday, North Korean state media KCNA said this morning.
The two sides "reached a consensus on all the issues brought up for discussion", the report said, with talks focusing on implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024.
Russia expressed full support for North Korean measures to counter what KCNA described as hostile acts threatening its position and right to development, as well as its sovereign rights and security interests.
North Korea expressed invariable support for Russian policies aimed at eliminating what it called the "root cause" of the conflict in Ukraine and defending Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysts have been watching for signs that Choe’s visit could pave the way for another trip to Russia by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who last travelled there for a summit with Putin in 2023.
Putin invited Kim to visit again during their June 2024 summit in Pyongyang.
North Korea has also been shoring up ties with China, with successive high-level exchanges this month marking the 65th anniversary of the countries’ friendship and mutual defence treaty.
Chinese nationals injured in drone attack on Moscow
04:04 , Arpan Rai
At least three Chinese nationals have been reported injured during a Ukraine drone attack on Moscow, Chinese state media announced this morning.
The Chinese embassy in Russia said two people were receiving treatment at a local hospital and were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries, while another had asked to be discharged for treatment back in China.
The embassy said it immediately activated its emergency response mechanism and asked Russian authorities to take all necessary measures to treat the injured and protect the safety and property of Chinese citizens.
The three Chinese nationals were among 10 people injured in an attack carried out over Sunday night and Monday morning.
Four Indians killed in attack on ship leaving Ukraine's Odesa, New Delhi says
03:00 , Alex Croft
An attack on a ship leaving Ukraine's southern port of Odesa on Sunday killed four Indians and left another at hospital in a critical condition, India's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Monday.
Russia hit the Golden Leo – a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria – with three cruise missiles on Sunday, Ukraine's navy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
"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," the ministry statement said.
Watch: Russia pounds Kyiv with ballistic missiles leaving one dead and 13 injured
01:29 , Alex Croft
Russia fired more ballistic missiles against Ukraine in July than it produces monthly, says ISW
Tuesday 21 July 2026 00:00 , Alex Croft
Russian forces have launched more ballistic missiles against Ukraine thus far in July than Russia reportedly produces each month, according to a US-based think tank monitoring the war.
“Ukrainian defence source Militarnyi reported on 19 July that Russia used up to two-thirds of its planned annual production of Zirkon missiles in July 2026 alone and that Russia launched more ballistic missiles in July than Russia’s reported total monthly production volume,” the Institute for the Study of War said.
Citing the Ukrainian Air Force reports for July, ISW said the attacks indicate that Russia has launched 107 ballistic missiles and 20 Zirkon missiles against Ukraine in July thus far.
“Militarny cited unspecified Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) reports indicating that Russia produces about 60 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 40 missiles for the S-400 complex monthly. Russia appears to be dipping into its stockpiles to continue increasing the number of ballistic missiles it launches against Ukraine, as these missiles have a higher success rate than drones and cruise missiles,” it said.
“Russian forces have simultaneously decreased the number of drones they launch in each overnight package, launching 2,955 thus far in July 2026 compared to 5,749 in June 2026,” the ISW said.
New video shows Monaco parcel bomb blast attack on Ukrainian tycoon
Monday 20 July 2026 23:01 , Alex Croft
Fresh footage has been released of the moment a Ukrainian property tycoon and two others were injured in a bomb attack in Monaco.
Tycoon Vadym Iermolaiev was left fighting for life after the explosion at the start of June, with a 13 year-old boy and a woman also injured in what authorities believe was an attempted assassination.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko released footage of the incident as he reported an investigation was underway to obtain new evidence in the case of “attempted murder”.
The video showed a hooded figure appearing to drop a backpack full of explosives on the steps of Mr Iermolaiev’s Monaco home. As they walked away, the property tycoon could be seen walking towards the property with two others when a purple flash erupted as the explosion took place.
New video shows Monaco parcel bomb blast attack on Ukrainian tycoon
Hungary probes deal with China's BYD carmaker after ex-foreign minister takes job there
Monday 20 July 2026 22:00 , Maira Butt
Hungary’s government announced an investigation Monday into a large foreign investment by Chinese automaker BYD negotiated by a former foreign minister who last week resigned from Parliament to take an executive position at the company.
Péter Szijjártó's announcement last Wednesday that he would take the job at the world’s top electric carmaker prompted accusations of a conflict of interest and criticism over his role in facilitating substantial government subsidies to the company while in office.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar told lawmakers on Monday that Szijjártó, a close ally of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had helped BYD while he was in office “with hundreds of billions (of forints) in public money, diplomatic support and state infrastructure.”
“We will examine all the decisions, negotiations and state commitments made by Péter Szijjártó that were related to the BYD Hungary investment,” Magyar said Monday.
Russian strikes kill 28 people in Ukraine's Odesa region in July, governor says
Monday 20 July 2026 21:00 , Maira Butt
Russian strikes have killed 28 people in Ukraine's southern Odesa region in July, the regional governor said on Monday.
"If you take since the beginning of July, the Odesa region was under constant daily shelling. There were days when 13-15 air raid alerts had been announced in the region," Oleh Kiper told Ukrainian television
