Ukraine calls emergency UN meeting over Russia's blockade of Black Sea corridor
Photo: Aftermath of Russia's attack on the Golden Leo vessel (facebook.com/navy.mil.gov.ua)
Russia has attacked civilian cargo vessels in the Black Sea and completely blocked traffic through Ukraine's maritime corridor. Citing the threat of global hunger, Ukraine is calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, according to a statement by Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Over the past few days, Russian forces have struck at least three civilian cargo vessels. The attacks killed or injured dozens of crew members.
In addition, no ships have passed through Ukraine's maritime corridor during the peak of the harvest season due to Russia's actions. Sybiha said this amounts to deliberate economic and humanitarian terror against the entire world.
"Just as Iran targeted energy routes in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia is now targeting global food markets in the Black Sea," he said.
He warned that continued Russian attacks could drive up food prices and put millions of families in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America at risk of hunger.
"Ukraine has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting for July 27th. We urge all states, particularly those affected, to immediately demand Russia stop its attacks on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea," the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs said.
Sybiha stressed that no country has the right to starve the world and added that only global pressure can stop Russia's campaign of terror.
On the night of July 22, Russia attacked the Golden Rose bulk carrier in the Black Sea. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service carried out a rescue operation, saving all 16 crew members.
Meanwhile, one of the world's largest container shipping companies, Maersk, has temporarily suspended service through the Chornomorsk Fishing Port due to intensified Russian attacks.
