Sybiha discussed Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports with IMO Secretary General

Sybiha called for the use of IMO mechanisms against the “shadow fleet”, fraudulent registration of ships and illegal access to closed Ukrainian ports.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha held a meeting in London with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez. Sybiha reported this on the social network X.

“During the meeting, we discussed the deterioration of the situation in the field of maritime security, in particular, the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, civilian vessels and search and rescue boats,” the minister noted. “Separately, we discussed practical tools available within the IMO to counter these threats, in particular, the Russian shadow fleet, fraudulent registration of ships, illegal shipping practices and the risks associated with the entry of ships into closed Ukrainian ports.”

Sybiga also stressed the importance of preventing seafarers from being involved in dangerous and illegal voyages and noted the technical assistance project “IMO for Ukraine”, which has entered the practical phase of implementation.

“I invited the Secretary General to visit Ukraine again and see with his own eyes the consequences of Russian attacks on our ports, maritime infrastructure and civil shipping,” he informed.

We will remind, last month, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba discussed with the IMO Secretary General the export of stolen Ukrainian grain by Russia.