Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I spoke with Arsenio Dominguez about the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea caused by Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian ports, civilian vessels, and maritime routes.

These attacks put civilian crews at risk, threaten freedom of navigation, and undermine global food security. Safe shipping in the Black Sea must be restored, and the voice of the IMO and the international community is important in achieving this.

Ukraine’s maritime corridor must continue operating safely and without disruption. It is a vital route for Ukrainian exports and global food supplies, including to countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Russia must not be allowed to decide whether civilian ships can sail freely in the Black Sea.

I thanked the Secretary-General for the IMO’s consistent support for Ukraine and the resolutions and decisions adopted in response to Russia’s aggression. Their practical implementation, together with further coordinated international action, is essential.

I also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and the IMO Secretariat for practical cooperation to strengthen maritime security, environmental protection, and trade facilitation, including the project of technical assistance to Ukraine whose inaugural workshop was held in Ukraine on September 8–10.

We agreed to remain in close contact and continue working together to protect freedom of navigation in the Black Sea".