On 17 December 2025, the 104th Session of the Danube Commission, an international organisation that has overseen riverine transportation on the Danube for more than 75 years, took place.
High-level representatives from ten Danube riparian States gathered in Budapest, Hungary, for the tenth time since the the russian federation invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In the meeting hall, our country was represented by officials from the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and the Embassy of Ukraine in Hungary.
During the consideration of agenda items, the Ukrainian delegation urged the Commission to respond appropriately to russia’s systematic violations of the fundamental principles of the 1948 Belgrade Convention Regarding the Regime of Navigation on the Danube.
Ukraine highlighted that shelling of Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Danube region and foreign-flagged vessels, creation of mine hazards in the Danube Delta, and destruction of hydraulic structures and aids to navigation are incompatible with freedom and safety of navigation on one of Europe’s most important waterways. Although the russian federation was previously de facto excluded from the Organisation due to active diplomatic efforts by Ukraine, it continues to destabilise regional security and riverine logistics, leading to significant economic costs and loss of life.
By a majority vote, the Danube Commission adopted a decision to establish a special Register of damages for the Lower Danube caused by military action of the russian federation. The Commission’s Secretariat will maintain a consolidated table, synchronised with the practices of the Council of Europe and other international organisations. Information regarding the Register will be made available to the public on the Commission’s official website.
The implementation of this decision will not only increase international awareness about russian crimes against Ukrainian and regional waterborne transport but also strengthen the international legal framework for holding the aggressor accountable in the future.
The Shipping Administration expresses its gratitude to the Danube riparian States for continuous solidarity with the Ukrainian people and support in the fight for justice within the Danube Commission.
