Russia seeks to turn Black Sea into weapon of intimidation, Ukraine's FM says
Ukraine's Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (photo: facebook.com/andrij.sybiha)
Ukraine and Greece are stepping up cooperation to strengthen air defenses and ensure the safety of civilian shipping in the Black Sea. Ongoing Russian attacks make protecting Ukraine's skies an urgent priority, according to a statement by Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Strengthening air defenses, Black Sea security
During talks with his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, Ukraine's foreign minister spoke about the consequences of Russia's relentless strikes on Ukrainian cities, as well as critical infrastructure and ports.
Sybiha stressed that the growing scale of Russia's missile and drone terror requires urgent action to protect Ukrainian skies. The security of maritime routes was another key topic of the talks.
"Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and civilian vessels pose a direct threat to freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security. For Ukraine and Greece, two maritime nations, freedom of navigation is a matter of principle and security," the Ukrainian minister stressed.
Joint response to Russian pressure
Ukraine's top diplomat noted that Moscow is trying to turn the Black Sea region into a platform for intimidation and pressure.
"Russia is trying to turn the Black Sea—a vital artery connecting countries, markets, and people—into another instrument of pressure and intimidation. We share an interest in keeping it open, secure, and free for maritime navigation," Sybiha said.
The diplomats exchanged views on the current security situation, agreed on priorities for bilateral cooperation and pledged to remain in regular contact.
Black Sea blockade, grain exports
As recently reported, Ukrainian farmers found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy due to Russian attacks on seaports. Enemy strikes have virtually blocked agricultural exports from the Black Sea, causing grain shipments to fall by 75% year-on-year during the first two weeks of August. Ukraine's financial losses could reach $2.5 billion.
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry stresses that Ukraine can resume exports despite the blockade of the maritime corridor. According to Minister Sybiha, Kyiv has already developed solutions to restore logistics and is involving international allies in the process.
