Russia has been attacking the Ukrainian maritime corridor since 2022, not "in response" to Ukraine's actions - Sybiha
Kyiv • UNN
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha stated that Russian attacks on civilian shipping have been a systematic campaign of terror since 2022. He cited data on damage to 1,054 port infrastructure facilities and 232 civilian vessels.
Russian attacks on the Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea are part of a systematic campaign of terror that has been ongoing since the start of the full-scale invasion, not a "response" to any actions by Ukraine. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday on X, reports UNN.
Details
According to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international community should not fall for Russian information manipulations that attempt to justify strikes on civilian shipping.
"The Russian terror campaign against civilian shipping did not begin in July 2026. Since 2022, Moscow has systematically attacked Ukrainian ports, port infrastructure, agricultural exports, civilian vessels, their crews, and grain storage facilities," Sybiha emphasized.
He reported that since 2022, Russian strikes have damaged or destroyed 1,054 port infrastructure facilities, struck 232 civilian vessels, and resulted in the death or injury of 307 civilians.
The minister stressed that the Ukrainian maritime corridor remains one of the key elements of global food security.
"Since its launch in September 2023, it has transported 208.9 million tons of cargo, including 123.8 million tons of grain, providing food for people in over 55 countries worldwide. This is precisely what Russia is trying to destroy," he noted.
Sybiha emphasized that Russia uses hunger as a tool of pressure, and its actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to millions of people around the world.
"We call on the international community for a decisive and united response. Demand that Moscow immediately stop attacks on freedom of navigation and cease trying to turn the Black Sea into another Strait of Hormuz," the Foreign Minister stated.