Ukraine calls UN Security Council meeting over Russian attacks on ships in the Black Sea

Acting Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Russia has attacked at least three civilian vessels in recent days, leaving dozens of crew members killed and injured.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Today, zero vessels passed through Ukraine's Black Sea maritime corridor – right at peak harvest. This is deliberate economic and humanitarian terror."

Details: Sybiha compared Russia's actions to Iran's attacks on energy shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, saying that Russia is now deliberately targeting global food markets.

Quote: "Millions of families across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America may face rising prices and hunger if this terror continues.

Ukraine has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting for 27 July. We urge all states, particularly those affected, to immediately demand Russia stop its attacks on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea."

Background:

• Shipping company Maersk has suspended services to a Black Sea port because of intensified Russian attacks on port infrastructure.
• The increase in Russian attacks on commercial vessels has prompted some shipowners to avoid Ukrainian ports, with some reviewing freight agreements or cancelling bookings.
• Ukrainian seaports handled 42.4 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, despite Russian attacks that have intensified in July.
• The Ukrainian Agri Council said the country has lost around one-third of its grain export capacity through its key Black Sea ports because of the intensified Russian attacks.

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