Once again, the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is breached. The International Maritime Organization has repeatedly stressed the importance of the global food supply chains’ integrity. Nonetheless, a vessel transporting Ukrainian grain to Egypt was hit by a cruise missile launched by the aggressor.
The 33rd session of the IMO Assembly condemned the massive systematic armed attacks of the russian federation against the port infrastructure and shipping lanes in the Black Sea. However, the functioning of the Ukrainian special maritime corridor was disrupted as the civilian vessel was damaged. Fortunately, another act of the russian terrorism resulted in no casualties.
“Our food supply to Africa and the Middle East is of paramount importance. We will continue to do what it takes to protect our ports, our Black Sea and our food supply to the global market. This is a top priority for Ukraine – the protection of life, and it should be a priority for every country”, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi stated.
We call upon the international community to strengthen the pressure on the russian federation in order to stop its criminal actions against the global food security in the Black Sea. Impeding the export of agricultural products from Ukraine to those regions that need them the most is a gross violation of the international law.
