Russia is waging a deliberate campaign against Ukraine’s grain exports and is trying to block maritime trade routes in the Black Sea, posing a threat to global food security.
This was stated by Volodymyr Pavlichenko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, during a UN Security Council meeting, Ukrinform reports.
According to the diplomat, Moscow seeks to undermine Ukraine’s export potential, intimidate international commercial shipping, and put pressure on global food markets.
“Recently, Russia launched a deliberate campaign against Ukraine’s grain exports and is actively trying to block maritime trade routes in the Black Sea,” Pavlichenko said.
He reported that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian strikes have damaged or partially destroyed at least 1,054 port infrastructure facilities and 232 civilian vessels.
As a result of attacks on Ukrainian ports and civilian shipping, 307 people have been killed or injured.
According to Pavlichenko, in June and July alone, Russia attacked nearly 50 cargo vessels, killing more than 30 people.
The diplomat separately mentioned the 19 July attack on the bulk carrier Golden Leo flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, which belonged to a Turkish company and was carrying Ukrainian grain via the maritime corridor.
“The vessel posed no military threat whatsoever,” Pavlichenko stressed.
Ten people were killed in the strike, including a Ukrainian maritime pilot.
“These facts are difficult to explain as a coincidence or an accident. These are deliberate actions,” the Ukrainian representative emphasised.
He also reported that due to intensified attacks, maritime exports through Ukrainian ports have been suspended since 22 July.
Pavlichenko stressed that Russian strikes are taking place during the active harvest period, when millions of tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural products are supposed to reach global markets. According to him, more than 90% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports go through Black Sea ports.
“No one is attacking Russia’s grain routes, striking Russian commercial vessels, or destroying its grain terminals,” the diplomat noted.
At the same time, he emphasised that Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
“Our forces strike only Russia’s military potential and facilities that support Russia’s war machine,” Pavlichenko said.
The Ukrainian representative urged the UN to use all available mechanisms to stop attacks on civilian shipping, restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and guarantee the safety of seafarers.