Ukraine Calls UN Security Council Meeting Over Russian Attacks on Ships in Black Sea

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on social media platform X that Russia has shelled at least three civilian vessels in recent days, resulting in dozens of crew members killed or injured. He noted that no ship passed through the Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea today, describing it as deliberate economic and humanitarian terror.

Sybiha compared Russia's actions to Iran's attacks on energy routes in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Russia is now deliberately targeting global food markets. He warned that millions of families in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America could face rising prices and hunger if this terror continues. Ukraine has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council for July 27, calling on all states, especially those affected, to demand that Russia immediately stop attacks on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

Earlier, shipping company Maersk announced it is suspending services in the Black Sea port due to intensified Russian attacks on port infrastructure. The increased attacks on vessels have led some shipowners to refrain from entering Ukrainian ports; they are reviewing charter agreements or canceling bookings. According to data for the first half of 2026, Ukrainian seaports handled 42.4 million tons of cargo despite Russian attacks, which have intensified in July. The Ukrainian Agrarian Association reported that the country has lost about a third of its grain export capacity through its key Black Sea ports due to the intensified Russian attacks.