We condemn the terrorist attacks by the Russian Federation against civilian cargo ships and Ukraine’s port infrastructure in the Black Sea, which flagrantly violate international law and the principle of freedom of navigation, posing a direct threat to global food security.

Moscow has chosen the path of escalation in the Black Sea and will stop at nothing to achieve its terrorist goals.

In this regard, Russia’s official warning to shipping companies regarding the dangers of navigation in its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea is a cause for particular concern. The Russian statement may signal the preparation of provocations targeting vessels bound for Russian ports.

For safety reasons, we call on shipowning companies to temporarily suspend service to Russian ports in the Black Sea until the situation stabilizes. Under current circumstances, particularly following the Russian statement on navigation risks, it is impossible to guarantee the protection of vessels and their crews.

We reiterate Russia’s sole responsibility for the worsening security situation in the Black Sea region.

Ukraine will employ all available means to ensure freedom of navigation to Ukrainian ports and to protect maritime lanes, port infrastructure, civilians, and national security, exercising its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.