The russian federation has once again brutally violated the universal right to free navigation, thus undermining global food security and condemning millions of people to starvation.
By openly threatening civilian ships transporting food from Ukrainian ports, launching missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in peaceful cities, intentionally creating a military threat on trade routes, the Kremlin has turned the Black Sea into a danger zone, primarily for Russian ships and ships sailing in the waters of the Black Sea towards the seaports of the russian federation and Ukrainian seaports located on the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by russia. The responsibility for all risks lies entirely with the Russian leadership.
The fate of the missile cruiser “Moskva” proves that the Ukrainian Defence Forces have the necessary means to repel Russian aggression at sea.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine warns that, starting from 00:00 on 21 July 2023, all ships sailing in the waters of the Black Sea towards the seaports of the russian federation and Ukrainian seaports located on the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by russia may be considered by Ukraine as carrying military cargo, thereby subjecting them to relevant risks.
Additionally, navigation in the areas of the North-Eastern part of the Black Sea and the Kerch-Yenikal Strait of Ukraine is prohibited as dangerous, starting from 05:00 on 20 July 2023. The relevant navigational information for mariners has already been made public.