Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a productive call with Malta’s Foreign Minister Chris Fearne to discuss strengthening Ukraine-Malta cooperation and addressing the most urgent challenges facing Ukraine. 

We focused on the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea and the need to safeguard freedom of navigation, Ukrainian ports and the maritime corridor that remains vital for Ukraine’s agricultural exports and global food security. I called for Malta’s support in protecting civilian shipping and strengthening international efforts against Russia’s illicit trade with stolen Ukrainian grain. 

We discussed practical support for Ukraine’s energy resilience ahead of the winter. I underscored the importance of additional contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. 

We also exchanged views on strengthening sanctions against Russia, including efforts to counter its shadow fleet and the networks sustaining its war machine. In this context, the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring, based in Valletta, plays an important role in strengthening maritime monitoring, facilitating information sharing, and countering sanctions evasion. 

We agreed on the need to further strengthen our cooperation to deprive Russia of the revenues it uses to finance its war. I stressed that as Russia continues its attacks, pressure must grow accordingly. This includes stronger sanctions, particularly anti-ballistic sanctions targeting the ecosystem behind Russia’s missile and drone production and limiting its ability to terrorize Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine highly values Malta’s solidarity and is ready to further deepen our cooperation."