The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on shipping companies to temporarily suspend voyages to Russian ports in the Black Sea
Kyiv • UNN
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned Russian attacks on civilian vessels and called on international companies to temporarily suspend voyages to Russian ports in the Black Sea due to security threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned Russian attacks on civilian cargo ships and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, stating that they grossly violate international law, the principle of freedom of navigation, and pose a threat to global food security. This was reported by the press service of the MFA, writes UNN.
Details
"We condemn the terrorist attacks of the Russian Federation on civilian cargo ships and port infrastructure of Ukraine in the Black Sea, which grossly violate international law and the principle of freedom of navigation, and pose a direct threat to global food security," – the statement reads.
The foreign policy agency emphasized that Russia is deliberately pursuing a path of escalation in the Black Sea and is not abandoning terrorist methods.
"Moscow has chosen the path of escalation in the Black Sea and will not shy away from any means to achieve its terrorist goals," the MFA stated.
Of particular concern, the ministry notes, is Russia's official warning to shipping companies about the danger of navigation in its own exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.
The Ukrainian side believes that such statements may indicate preparations for provocations against vessels heading to Russian ports.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appealed to international shipping companies with a call to temporarily suspend voyages to Russian ports in the Black Sea.
"We call on ship-owning companies, for safety reasons, to temporarily suspend connections with Russian ports in the Black Sea until the situation stabilizes. Under the current circumstances, particularly after the Russian statement about danger, it is impossible to guarantee the protection of vessels and their crews," the agency emphasized.
The MFA also stressed that Russia bears full responsibility for the deterioration of the security situation in the Black Sea waters.
"Ukraine will use all available means to ensure freedom of navigation to Ukrainian ports, as well as the protection of maritime communications, port infrastructure, civilians, and national security, exercising its inherent right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter," – the MFA emphasizes.