Ukraine’s MFA condemns Russian provocative actions in Black Sea

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the provocative actions by the Russian Federation on August 13 in the Black Sea in relation to the Turkish dry cargo ship Sukru Okan heading to the port of Izmail, Odesa region.

This is said in a statement published on the website of Ukraine’s MFA, Ukrinform reports.

“The Russian Navy grossly violated the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other norms of international law. These actions exemplified Russia's deliberate policy of endangering the freedom of navigation and safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. We express our support and solidarity with Türkiye, our strategic partner, and we call on the international community to take decisive action to prevent Russian Federation’s actions that impede the peaceful passage of vessels through the Black Sea,” the statement says.

It is noted in the statement that Russia should not be able to block international routes in the Black Sea, particularly those leading to Ukrainian seaports.

“In this regard, Ukraine urges its partners to strengthen their efforts to preserve the functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is crucial to ensuring global food security,” the statement says.

As reported, on Sunday, August 13, the Russian military fired warning shots at the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan dry cargo ship, which was heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail.