Europe Asia News

In a statement, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that Russia's attacks on Ukraine pose risks to maritime security and trade.

The statement claimed that civilian vessels and ports had been targeted, sea routes had been mined and the Black Sea had been polluted with oil, chemicals and other harmful substances. It also stated that explosions and mines had harmed not only people but also dolphins and other protected marine species.

The statement also referred to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, alleging that hundreds of aging tankers transport Russian oil and that some vessels pose a risk of oil spills due to their technical condition and inadequate insurance coverage. It further claimed that some shadow fleet vessels had been linked to suspicious activity around critical underwater infrastructure in Europe.

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the seas should not become areas where international rules are ignored and called for maritime law to be protected and enforced in practice.