Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia on Monday for launching missile attacks on two civilian cargo vessels in Ukraine’s southern ports, calling the strikes a “deliberate terrorist tactic.” According to Sybiha, Russian ballistic missiles targeted and damaged the vessels over a span of two days in the port city of Odesa, a critical hub for Ukraine’s grain exports and global shipping routes.
“These attacks are part of Russia’s continued efforts to undermine freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and destabilize global food security,” Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. He called for a united response from the international community, urging responsible states and global organizations to take action to ensure safe maritime passage and protect vital food supplies that transit through the region.
The attacks come amid escalating tensions in the Black Sea, following Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, which had previously allowed safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments. Since then, Russia has been accused of repeatedly targeting Ukraine’s port infrastructure, further jeopardizing global food supplies.
Odesa, a key export hub for Ukrainian agricultural products, has been a focal point of these assaults. Ukrainian officials warn that continued attacks on civilian infrastructure threaten not only Ukraine’s economy but also the stability of international food markets, particularly for nations reliant on Ukrainian grain exports.
Ukraine continues to call on the international community to strengthen its maritime security measures in the Black Sea and hold Russia accountable for its actions, which are exacerbating the already fragile global food supply chain.
