Russia attacked over 30 ships in Black Sea in July, Ukrainian MFA says
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua)
Russia is trying to turn the Black Sea into a zone of fear and instability by deliberately targeting civilian merchant vessels, said acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Mass attacks on civilian shipping
Sybiha held a phone call with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during which they discussed the security situation in the Black Sea.
According to Ukraine's foreign minister, Russia has attacked 31 merchant vessels since the beginning of July alone.
"These are deliberate strikes against civilian shipping, freedom of navigation, and the food security of millions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America," Sybiha said.
He stressed that every new Russian attack must be met with an even tougher sanctions response.
The minister also thanked the European Union for maintaining pressure on Russia and reaching an agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Urgent support and the Solidarity Lanes
During the conversation, the two sides coordinated their positions and discussed preparations for all possible scenarios.
Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs EU support to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Solidarity Lanes and to increase the capacity of the Danube corridor.
Situation in the Black Sea
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified strikes on port infrastructure and civilian vessels in the Black Sea, posing a threat to international shipping and global food security.
Russian forces attacked cargo ships and effectively blocked traffic along Ukraine's maritime corridor. Citing the risk of global hunger for millions of families, Ukraine is calling an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
In particular, on the night of July 22, Russia struck the bulk carrier Golden Rose. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service carried out a special rescue operation to evacuate the crew.
