Sybiha discussed shipping safety in the Black Sea with the IMO Secretary General

Ukraine and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continue to work together to protect freedom of navigation in the Black Sea amid Russian attacks on ports.

This was announced by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha after a conversation with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The parties discussed the worsening security situation due to Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian ports, merchant ships, and sea routes. Sybiha stressed that the Ukrainian maritime corridor must continue to operate safely and without interruption, as it remains a key route for Ukrainian exports and food supplies to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

“Russia cannot be allowed to decide whether civilian vessels can freely navigate the Black Sea,” the minister said.

The Foreign Minister also thanked the IMO for the decisions taken in response to Russian aggression and for practical cooperation with Ukraine in the areas of maritime security, environmental protection, and trade facilitation.

In particular, on September 8-10, the first seminar within the framework of the IMO technical assistance project was held in Ukraine.