Ukraine calls for maritime monitoring amid Russian attacks on Greater Odesa ports
Ukraine's FM Sybiha formally requested an International Maritime Organization monitoring mission for Odesa Oblast ports, citing intensified Russian attacks on port infrastructure, grain storage facilities, and civilian vessels.
Ukraine has officially requested the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to send a monitoring mission to ports in the southern Odesa region amid intensified Russian attacks, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on 16 October 2024, according to Reuters.
Speaking at a briefing in Odesa after meeting with his counterparts from the Nordic-Baltic Eight group, Sybiha emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating,
“Amid increased Russian terror, Ukraine has officially appealed to the International Maritime Organization to immediately send an international monitoring mission to the ports.”
Sybiha highlighted that since 6 October, four foreign-flagged civilian vessels have been damaged in these attacks. The strikes have targeted port infrastructure, grain storage facilities, and civilian ships, posing a significant threat to global food security.
The recent attacks have had immediate economic consequences, with insurance sources reporting a sharp increase in insurance costs and some booking cancellations, according to RFE/RL’s Russian Service. This development threatens to disrupt Ukraine’s vital export routes further.
The Foreign Minister stressed that the Russian attacks on port infrastructure and civilian vessels directly threaten global food security.
Related:
- ISW: Russia aims to undermine Ukraine’s grain corridor through repeated Odesa port attacks
- Death toll rises to seven in Russian missile attack on Odesa port, Panama-flagged container ship damaged
- Russian missile strikes civilian ship in Odesa second time this week, raising global food security concerns
- Fires erupt in Chornomorsk apartment building following Russian drone attack
- Russian missile strike damages grain ship in Ukraine, threatening global food security
- Russia’s suicide drone attack kills two in Odesa as Ukraine downs 32/46 UAVs
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