Sybiha: Restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is an urgent global priority

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with World Food Programme (WFP) Acting Executive Director Carl Skau to discuss global food security issues linked to Russian attacks on Ukraine's maritime corridor.

Writing on X, Sybiha said Russia is deliberately attacking Ukraine's maritime corridor, its ports and agricultural infrastructure in an attempt to disrupt grain exports. He stressed that food security must never become a hostage of Russian aggression or a tool of blackmail.

Impact felt far beyond the region

The minister noted that the consequences of Russian strikes will be felt well beyond the Black Sea region, since Ukraine supplies a significant share of the world's grain and sunflower oil exports. This trade is vital for millions of people, including in Africa and other regions.

Sybiha stated that restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, protecting Ukrainian ports, and holding Russia accountable are urgent global priorities.

In late July, Sybiha had already called on the world to respond to Russia's terror against the Black Sea maritime corridor.

Previous attacks

Recently, a Russian drone attacked a Tanzanian-flagged civilian vessel heading to a Ukrainian port, killing the ship's captain and injuring three other crew members. In July, Russian missiles struck the cargo ship Golden Leo near the port of Odesa, killing nine crew members and a Ukrainian maritime pilot, while eight other sailors were rescued.