In 2026, Russia attacked merchant vessel more than 70 times, — Kuleba
7.07.2026 - 09:40
Ukraine has called on the International Maritime Organization to strengthen counteraction to Russian attacks on civilian shipping and the activities of the Russian shadow fleet.
This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba at the 137th session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
According to him, Russia systematically attacks civilian shipping, port infrastructure and search and rescue services of Ukraine, creating threats to international trade, seafarers and freedom of navigation.
In 2026 alone, more than 70 Russian attacks on merchant ships were recorded.
“Calling things by their right names is not a matter of rhetoric, but a matter of security. When we talk about these incidents, it is important to clearly state that these are not “threats in the Black Sea” and not “incidents on sea routes”. This is an act of aggression and the aggressor is the Russian Federation,” Kuleba emphasized.
The Deputy Prime Minister paid special attention to the activities of the Russian shadow fleet, which poses a threat to the safety of navigation, human life at sea and the environment.
Ukraine called on states, shipowners, operators and insurers to refrain from activities that may contribute to the circumvention of sanctions and the financing of the Russian military machine.
Kuleba also recalled that all seaports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine remain officially closed in accordance with Ukrainian legislation and international maritime law. Any calls by vessels to these ports are illegal.
“Ukraine does not ask for special treatment. We ask only one thing – that the norms of international maritime law be implemented equally for everyone. Every unpunished attack on a merchant ship or rescue service undermines international legal order and creates a dangerous precedent for the whole world,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
USM previously reported that Ukrainian drones attacked two shadow fleet tankers in the Sea of Azov.
