Russia’s campaign of terror against civilian shipping did not commence in 2026 but has been ongoing since 2022, when the Kremlin initiated assaults on Ukrainian port infrastructure, merchant vessels, and their crews.
This was stated by the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, on social media platform X, as reported by Ukrinform.
“The Russian terror against Ukraine’s Black Sea maritime corridor is not a ‘response’ or ‘revenge’ for anything. Do not fall for the false narrative that Russian strikes are prompted by Ukraine’s actions elsewhere. This is deliberate deceit,” Sybiha emphasized.
He added that Russia’s campaign of terror against civilian navigation did not begin in July 2026.
“Since 2022, Moscow has been systematically targeting Ukrainian ports, infrastructure, agricultural exports, civilian ships, crews, and grain storage facilities,” Sybiha pointed out.
According to him, since 2022, Russian strikes have damaged or destroyed 1054 port infrastructure objects, struck 232 civilian vessels, and killed or injured 307 civilians.
“Ukraine’s maritime corridor is a vital lifeline for global food security,” Sybiha declared.
He noted that since its launch in September 2023, the corridor has transported 208.9 million tons of cargo, including 123.8 million tons of grain, ensuring sustenance for families in over 55 countries.
“By weaponizing hunger, Russia is attacking not only Ukraine but also millions of people worldwide. Such actions cannot be justified,” the head of Ukrainian diplomacy stated.
Read also: Russia is doing to the Black Sea what Iran is doing to the Strait of Hormuz – Sybiha
Sybiha called for a decisive, unified international response.
“We demand that Moscow immediately cease its attacks on freedom of navigation and stop attempts to turn the Black Sea into another Strait of Hormuz,” the Foreign Minister remarked.
As Ukrinform reported, in the early hours of Friday, July 24, the commercial vessel Christiana B, en route from the United States to Ukraine, sustained damage in Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
Ukrinform photos can be purchased here