Ukraine Calls for an Emergency Meeting of the UN Security Council Over Attacks on Ships Off the Coast of the Odesa Region

Ukraine requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on July 27. Due to the attacks, traffic through the Ukrainian maritime corridor—which facilitates exports via the ports of Greater Odessa—has come to a complete halt in the middle of the grain harvest season.

This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The Ministry noted that over the past few days, Russian strikes have damaged at least three civilian cargo ships. Dozens of crew members were killed or injured as a result of the attacks. Due to the threat to maritime safety, traffic through the Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea has been suspended.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that Russia’s actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to global food security. According to him, if the attacks continue, millions of people in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America could face rising food prices and the risk of famine.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Russia is effectively attacking global food supply routes in the Black Sea, just as Iran previously posed threats to energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine has called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia and ensure an end to attacks on civilian shipping. The issue of navigation safety in the Black Sea will be discussed at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on July 27.

In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Odesa and the Odesa region. Russian forces have been particularly aggressive in targeting maritime logistics.

On July 14, Russian forces attacked two civilian merchant ships flying the flags of Tanzania and Liberia. The captain of one of the ships was killed in the strike.

On the evening of July 17, the dry cargo ship Venturo, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was struck by a missile. The vessel sustained damage and lost propulsion. Crews from Ukrainian Navy boats carried out a rescue operation and evacuated all 17 sailors—citizens of the Philippines—to shore.

On July 20, Russia attacked a civilian vessel near Odesa, killing 10 people. The dry cargo ship was carrying corn, and there were 18 people on board.

On July 22, Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, suspended its services at the Black Sea port. The reason was the intensification of Russian strikes on port infrastructure in the Odesa region.

Ірина Глухова