Ukraine has officially requested the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to send a monitoring mission to ports in the southern Odessa region in response to the intensification of Russian attacks, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the request on Wednesday.
In recent weeks, Russian troops have stepped up missile attacks on Ukraine’s southern port infrastructure in Odessa. These attacks have resulted in damage to four foreign-flagged civilian vessels. The incidents have occurred since October 6.
“Amid the rise of Russian terror, Ukraine has officially appealed to the International Maritime Organization to immediately send an international monitoring mission to the ports,” Sybiha said during a press conference in Odessa following a meeting with representatives of the Nordic-Baltic Eight group.
Sybiha stressed that Russian attacks on port infrastructure, grain storage facilities and civilian vessels are threatening global food security.
Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain producers, and before the Russian invasion in 2022, it exported around 6 million tonnes of grain per month via the Black Sea. Currently, around 85% of the country’s food exports depend on ports located in this region.
In addition to direct damage, insurance industry sources reported that coverage costs have increased, and recent Russian attacks have led to the cancellation of some export bookings.
According to Ukrainian government data, Russia has carried out nearly 60 attacks on ports over the past three months. These attacks have caused damage to approximately 300 port infrastructure facilities. In addition, 22 civilian vessels have been destroyed.
Source: Yuliia Dysa | Notícias Agrícolas
