Maritime Security Crisis: Russia struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged, Turkish-owned grain carrier “Golden Leo” near Odesa with cruise missiles, killing five crew members; eight were evacuated to hospital in Odesa and five others remain missing as search and firefighting continue. Policy Response: Ukraine’s prime minister says new measures are being prepared to better protect civilian ships and crews, and Ukraine’s foreign ministry is notifying international partners and the International Maritime Organization. Regional Politics: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition coalitions (PAI-TR and API-CG) are urging ECOWAS to back a civilian-led transition government, not the current military-led setup. Diplomatic Rift: Guinea-Bissau has frozen political ties with Cape Verde after Praia called for the release of opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira, detained over alleged coup involvement. ECOWAS Summit: West African leaders, including Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embaló, arrived in Sierra Leone for the 69th ECOWAS summit focused on peace, governance and economic integration. CPLP Update: Guinea-Bissau remains suspended from CPLP parliamentary activities, with officials calling for a return to institutional normality.