Ukraine's Sybiha and Greek FM discuss Black Sea security amid Russian strikes

Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said he held a phone conversation with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, focused mainly on developments in the Black Sea. Sybiha shared the update on social media platform X, with the news relayed by European Pravda.

According to Sybiha, he briefed the Greek minister on the damage caused by Russia's continued strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, and underlined the pressing need for additional air defence systems.

Navigation freedom framed as a security priority

The Ukrainian diplomat also addressed the security situation in the Black Sea, noting that Russia's repeated attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure and vessels endanger international trade and threaten global food security.

Sybiha said that for both Ukraine and Greece, as maritime nations, freedom of navigation is a matter of principle as well as security. He stated that Russia is attempting to turn the Black Sea — a key route linking countries, markets and people — into a tool of pressure and intimidation, while both countries share an interest in keeping it open, safe and free for shipping.

The two officials also discussed priorities for bilateral relations and wider international cooperation.

The report also notes that suspicious objects have been found repeatedly along Romania's coastline over the past week, including two recent cases. In Bulgaria, suspicious items were discovered at three separate locations, among them a fixed-wing reconnaissance drone and what may be drone debris.