July 27, 2026
On 24 July 2026 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine published a “Statement on Threats to Foreign Vessels Heading to and from Russian Ports in the Black Sea”.
In 2025–2026, Russia’s attacks in the Black Sea caused numerous civilian casualties among seafarers, maritime pilots and crew members of merchant vessels, including during strikes against port infrastructure and ships using Ukraine’s maritime export corridor.
The Embassy of Ukraine in India firmly believes that threats and risks to civilian navigation arising from Russia’s aggressive actions in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov can be minimized through an immediate response to any preventive warnings regarding the security situation in the region.
Throughout the war, Ukraine has consistently warned its international partners, including senior Indian officials, about the growing threats to civilian navigation arising from Russia's actions in the Black Sea.
Ukraine has also informed its partners about the measures it is taking to prevent the delivery of military cargo and disrupt logistical routes used to sustain Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
These concerns were also formally communicated within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, including through IMO Circular Letters dated 12 and 26 June 2026.
Ukraine also takes note of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Government of India (DGMA) Circular 41, dated 23 July 2026, issuing a Maritime Security Advisory for Indian ships and foreign-flagged vessels with Indian seafarers transiting or operating in the Black Sea.
Ukraine firmly believes that timely and preventive action by competent authorities is vital to protecting seafarers, ensuring the safety of civilian navigation, and strengthening international maritime security in regions where such threats are clearly identified.
In addition to the letter of condolence addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Andrii Sybiha, to the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Embassy of Ukraine extends its profound sympathy to the families of the Indian seafarers who lost their lives as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea.
We hope that, following the relevant proposal made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, a conversation between the foreign ministers of our two countries will take place in the nearest future to discuss in detail the current security situation in the Black Sea region.
The only sustainable way to restore maritime security is to increase international pressure on the Russian Federation to end its attacks on civilian shipping.