Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday accused Russia of conducting “deliberate terrorist” attacks on civilian cargo vessels in the southern port of Odesa, escalating concerns over maritime security in the Black Sea region.
“In just two days, Russian ballistic attacks damaged two civilian cargo vessels in Odesa,” Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. “This is a deliberate terrorist tactic.”
The minister called for a united international response to “ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and global food security.”
These attacks come amid ongoing tensions in the Black Sea following Russia’s withdrawal from a grain deal that had allowed for safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural exports.
“These strikes not only threaten Ukraine’s maritime trade but also global food supplies,” said maritime security expert Dr. Elena Volkova. “The Black Sea is a critical route for grain shipments from Ukraine to world markets.”
The incidents have raised alarm among international shipping companies and grain traders, potentially impacting global food prices and supply chains.
